Phishing delivered by text message, often an unsolicited “job offer” from an unknown number.
Smishing is phishing over SMS. Because texts feel personal and are opened far more often than email, they have become the dominant first contact for job scams — an out-of-the-blue message about a remote role you never applied for.
The message typically pushes you to reply or tap a link, then moves the conversation to a chat app where there is no oversight.
What it looks like
“Hi! We saw your résumé. $45/hr remote data-entry role open now — reply YES to start.” from a random number.
Red flags
- Unsolicited text about a job you never applied to
- Generic greeting and vague company
- Pressure to move to WhatsApp or Telegram
Deep-dive guide
The Off-Platform Pivot: Why Scammers Rush You to Telegram or WhatsApp
Frequently asked questions
Why am I getting job offer texts I never signed up for?
Scammers blast unsolicited texts to huge lists of numbers, hoping a few people reply. A legitimate employer does not recruit by cold-texting people who never applied.