12 Job Scams No Retiree Should Fall For

Job scams attract retirees mainly because they are considered a steady source of income and flexible opportunities. All these scams bank on the victim’s trust and can lead to monetary loss, identity theft, or emotional distress. Retirees looking for a legitimate job or supplemental income must understand common job scams and how they work. Below are the most obvious ones you should be aware of and tips to avoid becoming a scammer’s next victim.
Work-From-Home Jobs

These types of jobs promise high income with almost no effort, like stuffing envelopes or assembling products. Victims will often be asked to pay an upfront fee for training materials or supplies, only to find that the promised job doesn’t exist. Legitimate remote work opportunities won’t ask you to pay to start and will be clear about what the work entails.
Pyramid Schemes

Sometimes, Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) companies can cross the line between a real business and a pyramid scheme. Retirees are enticed with promises of financial freedom to sign up for product sales, but when it comes down to it, they emphasize recruiting new members. Most people lose in a pyramid scheme because profits depend on recruitment more than product sales. Research the company’s business model and income from legitimate product sales before joining any MLM.
Check-Cashing Scams

In check-cashing scams, one gets a check for more than they are supposed to be paid and is told to wire back the difference. First, the check clears but later bounces back, leaving the victim responsible for the whole amount. Fake job postings or unsolicited emails mainly target retirees seeking part-time or freelance work. Always do your research to ensure the client or employer is genuine, and never wire money to someone you don’t know.
Mystery Shopper Schemes

This scheme can be an exciting way to bring in more money, but scammers play on the reality of this real job to create fake mystery shopping opportunities. The victims receive a check to purchase on their behalf and are instructed to forward the unused proceeds. But, just as with check-cashing scams, the check bounces, and the retiree loses their money. All legitimate mystery shopping companies will never ask for payment upfront or ask participants to handle large sums of money.
Phishing Job Offers

The phishing scam message resembles a letter from a recognized company offering a job. These messages likely have links that will take you to fraudulent web pages that seek to steal personal info like Social Security numbers or direct you to hand over your banking details directly. Retirees must also be wary of the unsolicited job offers that often call for personal information before an interview. Always verify the official address and the sender; the best way is to direct the application to the organization through the company’s official website.
Data Entry Jobs

Retirees search for data entry jobs because they are easy and flexible. That demand, however, is exploited by the scammers who advertise fake positions that ask for upfront fees for training or software. The scammer disappears once the payment is made, only never to deliver the promised job. If you come across legitimate data entry positions, they will never ask you to pay them money first and will provide you with a proper job description and company details.
Reshipping Cons

Shipping scams are where you receive packages for another person and reship them to another address, often outside the country. Lured by promises of high pay and minimal work, retirees are reshipping stolen goods or even goods purchased with stolen credit cards. Such schemes can make the retiree an unwitting accomplice to fraud. Stay away from jobs that involve reshipping goods or doing financial transactions on behalf of someone else.
Online Surveys

Many online surveys that promise easy money, are most likely scams. Retirees are often asked to pay a fee to access this list or promised large payouts that never materialize. Legitimate survey companies exist, but they are typically small with consistent payouts and never ask you to pay anything upfront to complete a survey. As such, it is always a good idea to research survey companies before signing up so you know that they have a good reputation.
Government Grants

Scammers have been known to use the guise of offering grants to retirees to start a business or pursue other opportunities. It asks victims to pay an upfront processing fee or to share personal information before they can qualify for the grant. In reality, you will never receive a government grant offer or be asked to pay ahead of receiving the grant. Check official government sites for accurate information and the application procedure if you want grants.
Tech Support Scams

Retired techies looking to make money doing remote tech support jobs are often scammed into paying for certifications or tools. Scammers use fake company names and pretend the retiree has to be specially trained to qualify for the position. After the money is paid, the job offer is gone, and the retiree is out of luck. Always check if the company is legit; any opportunity that asks for payment before starting will remain a no-go.
Social Media Job Scams

Scammers also often use social media platforms to advertise bogus job opportunities with potential retirees, promising them flexible and lucrative high-paying roles. Most of these scams require you to send your personal information or money to get paid; many social media job ads are unverified and can land you into identity theft or cost you financially. Be cautious about replying to job offers on social media, and only trust a verified company profile.
Franchise Opportunities

Franchise opportunities can be tempting to retirees who dream of working in retirement, but not all franchises are legitimate. Large upfront investments stand behind fake franchises that promise vague assurances of training and support. The scammer disappears once the payment is made, and the retiree gets nothing. Invest in a researched franchise opportunity, consult a legal or financial advisor, and determine whether the company has a proven track record.
Retirees should have the chance to forge a path for work that’s fulfilling without being preyed upon by fraudulent schemes. Knowing the most common job scams can help keep you from taking a financial blow or putting yourself through emotional stress. Of course, never miss the chance to research any opportunities thoroughly, don’t accept offers that seem too good to be true, and listen to your instincts when things seem a little off. It’s possible to take sensible precautions to help ensure you can invest in genuine opportunities and have a fulfilling retirement.