Fake Remote Job Interview Scam

High Risk

Got a message, call or offer like this?

Take your time. Treat it as a scam until you have checked it yourself.

Don't tap links, reply, or ring numbers it gives you. On a call, hang up.
Don't pay, and don't share card details, PINs, passwords or codes.
Check with whoever it claims to be, using contact details you find yourself.

Already paid or shared details? What to do now Full step-by-step guide Report it

Overview

Scammers pose as recruiters offering remote jobs, often claiming to be from legitimate companies like Google, Meta, or Irish firms. Victims are "hired" after fake interviews, then asked for personal documents (for identity theft) or money to "process" their employment.

Typical Targets

•Job seekers, especially those seeking remote work
•Recent graduates
•People made redundant
•Anyone looking for flexible work arrangements

Why This Scam Works

•Remote work is highly desirable
•Job seekers are eager and sometimes desperate
•Fake companies look legitimate
•"Too good to be true" salaries are appealing
•Providing documents for employment seems normal

Example

A Dublin graduate was contacted on LinkedIn about a "Remote Customer Success Manager" role at €55,000. After a Zoom interview with a fake HR team, she was "hired" and asked to provide her PPS number, passport copy, and bank details for "payroll setup". She was then asked to pay €250 for "equipment" that would be "reimbursed". She paid but received nothing.

* An illustration of how this scam works, not from a victim case we hold.

How to Avoid This Scam

Research the company independently – not through links they provide
Verify the recruiter's identity on LinkedIn
Never pay for equipment, training, or processing fees
Legitimate employers don't ask for money
Be suspicious of offers without proper interviews
Check if the email domain matches the company's website
Contact the company directly through their official website

If You've Been Caught Out

Don't panic – take these steps immediately:

1Report to An Garda Síochána
2If you shared your PPS number, you can contact Client Identity Services, the section of the Department of Social Protection that manages PPS numbers. gov.ie lists it as the contact for any query about your PPS number: 0818 927 999 or 071 967 2616
3Monitor your credit for signs of identity theft
4Report to the platform where you were contacted (LinkedIn, Indeed)
5Contact your bank if you paid money
6Warn others in job seeker groups

* This information is for guidance only. Always seek professional advice for your specific situation.

Who to Contact for Help

An Garda Síochána

Local station

Report the fraud

Client Identity Services (Dept. of Social Protection)

0818 927 999 or 071 967 2616

The section that manages PPS numbers. gov.ie lists it for any query about your PPS number

Central Credit Register (Central Bank of Ireland)

centralcreditregister.ie

Get your credit report free, or place a notice of suspected impersonation on it. Apply online or by post, not by phone