A rise in job scam texts is linked to government shutdown-related job insecurity, with experts urging caution and verification.

A surge in job recruiting scam texts has raised alarms, with experts linking the increase to the ongoing government shutdown. Scammers are sending fake job offers via text, mimicking legitimate employers, and tricking recipients into sharing personal information or paying fees. The shutdown’s disruption to federal hiring may be fueling job insecurity, making people more vulnerable. While no direct proof connects the scams to the shutdown, the timing and context suggest a correlation. The FTC and cybersecurity experts urge the public to verify job postings through official channels, avoid suspicious links, and report scams.