The message below? Not AI-generated. It’s a real text message- example of remote job scams.
From zhioshqiao@contactnow983.shop:
Hi, I’m a recruiter at KLARNA, my name is Sierra. Your background and resume have been recommended by multiple online recruitment agencies. Therefore, we would like to offer you a great remote online part-time job to help KLARNA merchants update data, increase visibility and bookings, and provide you with free training. Flexible part-time and full-time work, allowing you to work 60 to 90 minutes a day, 4 days a week, and earn extra income on weekends. You can work anytime and anywhere according to your schedule and earn $250 to $500 a day. The basic salary is $1,000 per 4 days of work.
Paid annual leave: In addition to maternity leave, paternity leave and other statutory holidays, ordinary employees also enjoy 15-20 days of paid annual leave.
The company currently has 20 vacancies. If you want to join us, please send a text message to 4062618751 for more information.
(Note: You must be 28 years old or older.)
Chances are, you’ve received one these remote job scam messages. And if you haven’t, someone in your circle definitely has.
So, let’s face it — the job market is wild these days. Between inflation, layoffs, and everyone trying to make money online, more Americans (and honestly, people everywhere) are hunting for remote gigs that actually pay.
But where there’s opportunity, scammers are never far behind.
If you’ve ever received a message like,
“Get paid $500/day working from home with Klarna!”
— you’re not alone.
And no, Klarna is not hiring mystery merchants to pay you thousands for clicking buttons.
This article is your quick guide to spotting remote job scams — the kind that look slick, sound tempting, and could cost you your identity, your money, or worse.
The Scam Playbook: How They Lure You In
Scammers are getting smarter. These days, they’re sliding into your DMs, WhatsApp group chats, and even your LinkedIn inbox with job offers that seem too good to be true — because they are.
Here’s the typical script:
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“We found your resume online.”
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“Work from home, only 60 minutes a day.”
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“Earn $1,000 a week helping merchants update data.”
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“No experience needed — just text this number.”
These remote job scams usually signed with a generic name like “Sierra from Klarna” or “Michael from Amazon.”
But look closely: there’s no official company email, no job listing, and zero proof this “opportunity” is legit.
Why People Fall for It — And Why It’s Not Your Fault
Scammers are strategic. They target:
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People desperate for income
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Job seekers who’ve applied to dozens of roles with no luck
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People looking to break into the global remote work scene
When someone offers you a lifeline wrapped in big pay and little effort, it’s tempting to bite.
But here’s the catch:
You’ll soon be asked to pay for “training,” give out your bank info, or install shady apps — and then they ghost you.
Real Talk: Klarna, Amazon, and Shopify Don’t Recruit via Telegram
Let’s be clear:
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Legit companies don’t text random numbers for recruitment.
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They don’t offer high pay without interviews, vetting, or proper contracts.
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They definitely don’t use Gmail, WhatsApp, or Telegram for hiring.
If a company’s not contacting you from an official domain email (like @klarna.com), be suspicious. Always.
5 Ways to Spot the Remote Job Scams Before It Hurts You
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It sounds like free money. If it’s too easy and too generous, it’s bait.
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No proper job posting. Always cross-check on the company’s official careers page.
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Urgency and pressure. “Spots are limited! Respond now!” — classic trick.
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Weird age limits. “Must be 28 or older”? For what? Scams love throwing in random rules.
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They ask for money. No legit job will charge you to get hired.
Protect Yourself (and Your People)
Here’s how to stay one step ahead:
- Google everything. Remote job scams, Job title, contact name, even the message wording — scammers recycle their scripts.
- Use job boards you trust. Stick with platforms that vet employers.
- Educate your circle. Share this with your cousins, WhatsApp groups, and friends. Don’t let them fall for it either.
Want Real Remote Work Opportunities?
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Bookmark this page, and stay scam-free.
A Scam Disguised as Opportunity
These scams are getting slicker, often using real company names like Klarna, Amazon, or Shopify to look legitimate. Messages come via SMS, WhatsApp, or Telegram, promising high pay, remote roles, and no experience needed.
“Scammers are getting smarter,” said Lisa Kim, a spokesperson for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). “They’re capitalizing on people’s desire for remote work, especially those who’ve been recently laid off or are juggling multiple jobs.”
According to FTC data, remote job and business opportunity scams cost Americans over $450 million in 2024 — a 30% increase from the year before.
Victims are often asked to:
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Pay for fake training materials
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Send money via gift cards
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Share personal details for “payroll setup”
Then… crickets. They vanish.
Spotting the Red Flags🚩🚩
Watch out for these signs:
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Unrealistic Pay: “$500/day for 1 hour of work”
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Generic Messages: No job title, no company details
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Unprofessional Communication: Free email addresses, vague texting
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Requests for Money or Info: Never okay
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Age Restrictions Without Basis: “28+ only”? That’s not a thing
What You Can Do
If you get a suspicious message:
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Don’t respond
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Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
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Check the company’s site for legit job listings
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Search the job text online — odds are, others have posted about it
“There are real remote jobs out there,” Kim says. “But you have to verify everything. If it feels off, it probably is.”
Final Word
Scammers are smart — but you’re smarter.
The more you know, the harder it is for them to get you.
So next time someone offers you a luxury lifestyle for 90 minutes of “data work”?
Tell them thanks — but no thanks. Then block, report, and keep it moving.
Real-Life Scam Messages People Are Receiving
Below are actual scam messages people have received — formatted to resemble legit job offers. If any message sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
From zhioshqiao@contactnow983.shop:
Hi, I’m a recruiter at KLARNA, my name is Sierra. Your background and resume have been recommended by multiple online recruitment agencies. Therefore, we would like to offer you a great remote online part-time job to help KLARNA merchants update data, increase visibility and bookings, and provide you with free training. Flexible part-time and full-time work, allowing you to work 60 to 90 minutes a day, 4 days a week, and earn extra income on weekends. You can work anytime and anywhere according to your schedule and earn $250 to $500 a day. The basic salary is $1,000 per 4 days of work.
Paid annual leave: In addition to maternity leave, paternity leave and other statutory holidays, ordinary employees also enjoy 15-20 days of paid annual leave.
The company currently has 20 vacancies. If you want to join us, please send a text message to 4062618751 for more information.
(Note: You must be 28 years old or older.)
From yorkkasen26659@gmail.com:
Hi, good morning! I’m Darlene, a Recruiting Representative at Amazon, and your resume has been recommended by several online recruiting companies. Therefore, our company is offering you a remote online job, which is a great part-time/full-time opportunity helping Amazon merchants update data, increase visibility and bookings, and providing free training. Work for 60 to 90 minutes (depending on your schedule) and earn $50 to $500 per day. Base salary is $800 for every 4 days worked.
5-day paid probationary period, after which you can sign an employment contract with a base salary of $4100 plus a $1000–$5000 performance bonus. Paid annual leave included.
If interested, text +16262353853.
From daoyanchi1985.cangmeijing@choosers-slo.art:
Hello! Hotwire is looking for enthusiastic people to help manage remote part-time jobs for airlines. No work experience is required. Free training is provided. You can work from anywhere flexibly, and it only takes 30 to 60 minutes a day. This will not affect your regular job. You can earn $500 to $2000 per day, with same-day salary payouts.
Bonus: Airfare discounts and 7 days of paid vacation after 30 days on the job.
Requirements: US SSN and age 22–80.
If interested, WhatsApp +17026010713.
From unknown sender:
Howdy! I’m Crystal. I’d like to share my insights on a position role that has just been announced. Can we discuss briefly now?
From unknown sender:
Hey! My name is Yara from OnTheGoSystems. Can you take a moment to listen to the job description please?
From dawnmcgowan7185@atheist.com:
Hi, I’m Stephanie from Klarna. Your background and resume have been recommended by multiple online recruitment agencies. We’re offering you a remote online part-time job helping merchants update data, increase visibility and bookings, with free training. Flexible schedule: work 60 to 90 minutes a day, 5 days a week, and earn $200 to $500 daily. Base salary is $2,000+ per week.
Paid annual leave includes maternity, paternity, and 15–20 days of regular leave.
Interested? Contact us on WhatsApp: +15039804750.
(Note: You must be at least 25 years old.)
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