Is "asked to pay for training equipment before starting job" a scam?

Question

Is "asked to pay for training equipment before starting job" a scam? How do I know, and what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Yes — this is a known, dangerous scam. An unexpected text, WhatsApp, or Telegram message from a fake recruiter claims to be hiring for a remote role at a real company. After you engage, you are asked to deposit a check and wire back part of the money, or pay out-of-pocket for training, tasks, or equipment. Red flags: You received an unsolicited text or message about a job you never applied for • The recruiter claims to be from a well-known company but contacts you only through a personal messaging app • The job involves simple tasks like rating products, liking posts, or completing online surveys for pay • You are sent a check and told to deposit it and wire or Zelle a portion back — a classic overpayment scam • You are asked to pay upfront for software, training, or equipment before you can start. What to do: Ignore and delete unsolicited job texts — legitimate employers do not recruit via cold texts or WhatsApp • Never deposit a check from an unknown sender and wire or send back any portion — you will be held liable for the full amount when the check bounces • Verify any recruiter by searching the company's official website directly and calling their listed HR number • Report to the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI's IC3 at https://www.ic3.gov.

Is “asked to pay for training equipment before starting job” a scam?

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