Delivery work is real, and millions of people use it to earn money. Scammers know that, so they copy the look of real delivery apps to get your money or your personal details. Here are the warning signs, and what to do if a job offer doesn’t feel right.
| Item | Approximate figure |
|---|---|
| Fee to apply | red flag: real apps don’t charge |
| Check deposits | red flag: fake check scam |
| Gift cards | red flag: never pay with them |
| Report | ReportFraud.ftc.gov |
Warning signs of a fake delivery job
- You must pay to get the job. Real apps don’t charge a fee to apply or to unlock an account.
- You’re told to deposit a check and send part of the money back, or to buy gift cards with it. That’s a fake check scam.
- The pay is high for very little work. Promises of big money for minimal effort are a common scam pattern.
- The job involves reshipping packages, often to overseas addresses.
- Someone contacts you first on WhatsApp, Telegram, or social media, and pushes you to act fast.
The Federal Trade Commission lists these signs on its job scams page. Honest employers don’t charge fees for jobs, and they don’t ask you to send money back.
How to check an offer
- Find the company’s official app in the App Store or Google Play, and check the developer name.
- Apply only through the official app or the company’s website, not a link from a message.
- Search the company’s name with the word “scam” to see if others have reported it.
- Never share your bank login, card number, or verification code with someone who contacts you.
What to do if you already paid
Act quickly. Contact the company you used to send the money and report the fraud. Ask for a reversal if the payment method allows it. Then report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your state attorney general.
Frequently asked questions
Are sign-up fees ever legitimate for delivery apps?
No. Official delivery apps don’t charge you to apply or to get approved. If someone asks for a fee, stop.
What if I gave my Social Security number?
Watch your bank and credit reports closely, and consider a credit freeze. The FTC explains the steps at IdentityTheft.gov.
My take
The safest way to apply for delivery work is to go to the official app or website yourself. If the offer came to you through a message, pause and check it first. A real job will still be there after you verify it.
Sources
These official pages were used for this guide: consumer.ftc.gov. www.identitytheft.gov.
