Too Good to Be True? The Truth Behind Reshipping Job Scams

Have you ever heard the saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”? A remote job that promises quick cash and an impressive title — like “delivery operations specialist” or “quality control manager” — might seem appealing. But if the role involves nothing more than receiving packages, repackaging them, and sending them elsewhere, it’s actually a scam. Here’s what the so-called “employer” isn’t telling you.

Scammers often send fake job offers while pretending to represent well-known companies such as Amazon or FedEx. They’ll use stolen credit card or bank information to ship expensive items — often high-end electronics — directly to you. Your task? Remove the original packaging and paperwork and forward the goods to another address, frequently overseas, so the items become harder to trace.

You might not realize you’ve been scammed until your expected payday comes and goes with no payment — and the “employer” disappears. If you’ve shared personal information like your bank details, Social Security number, or a copy of your ID, you could also be at risk for identity theft.

To protect yourself from these kinds of scams, follow these steps:

• Research the employer. Search the company or recruiter’s name along with terms like “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.” If others report being scammed, steer clear.
• Consult someone you trust. Explain the offer to a friend or family member. Getting another perspective can help you evaluate the situation more clearly.
• If you shared personal information, take action. Visit IdentityTheft.gov/steps for guidance on safeguarding yourself before identity theft occurs.
   

No legitimate job requires you to forward packages. Report these scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at uspics.gov/report.