FTC Warns: Package Reshipping Remote Jobs Are Scams - How to Spot and Avoid Them

FTC Issues Warning About Fake Remote Job Scams

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a critical warning about fake remote job offers that involve package reshipping. These scams are designed to move stolen goods and exploit job seekers looking for legitimate remote work opportunities.

How the Scam Works

These fraudulent job listings often use appealing titles like "delivery operations specialist" or "quality control manager" and promise easy money for minimal work. The process typically involves:

• Receiving packages at your home address
• Repackaging the items
• Forwarding them to another address, often international

The Reality Behind These Offers

In reality, the items shipped to victims' addresses are purchased with stolen credit cards or compromised accounts. Victims are instructed to remove original packaging and receipts before resending the merchandise. The promised salary never arrives, and the supposed employer disappears.

Additional Risks Beyond Financial Loss

According to the FTC, many victims also discover their personal information—provided during the fake application process—has been misused, leading to identity theft. The FTC emphasizes that legitimate companies do not hire people to reship merchandise bought with stolen payment information.

How to Protect Yourself

The FTC provides several recommendations for job seekers:

1. Research the employer by searching their name along with words like "scam" or "complaint"
2. Discuss any job offer with a trusted person before accepting
3. Visit IdentityTheft.gov/steps if you've already shared sensitive information
4. Report suspicious offers to ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov/report

Key Red Flags to Watch For

• Jobs that involve receiving and forwarding packages
• Offers that promise high pay for minimal effort
• Requests to remove original packaging and receipts
• Employers who disappear after you've started working
• Requests for personal information during the application process

What to Do If You've Been Targeted

If you suspect you've encountered one of these scams, take immediate action:

• Stop all communication with the supposed employer
• Document all interactions and communications
• Report the incident to the appropriate authorities
• Monitor your financial accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity