We've all gotten those hiring scam texts. Instead of deleting, this writer played along

Published on August 9, 2025

Title: The Curious Case of Job Recruitment Scams: A Deep Dive into Alexander Sammon's Experience

In today's digital age, job seekers are constantly on the lookout for new opportunities that can help them advance their careers. However, with this increased demand comes an influx of scammers who prey upon unsuspecting individuals through fake job offers and recruitment schemes. Alexander Sammon, a Slate features writer, decided to take matters into his own hands by playing along with one such suspicious text message he received claiming to be from a hiring manager. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the world of job scams, analyze Sammon's experience, and discuss its implications on both individuals and organizations alike.

To begin with, let us first understand what constitutes a job recruitment scam. These fraudulent activities typically involve sending unsolicited messages or emails to potential candidates promising lucrative employment opportunities in exchange for personal information such as bank details, social security numbers, etc. Often, these scams are designed to appear legitimate by using official-looking logos and websites, making it difficult for victims to distinguish between genuine offers and fraudulent ones.

In Alexander Sammon's case, he received a text message from someone claiming to be a hiring manager who had seen his resume on a job posting site. Instead of dismissing the message as spam, Sammon decided to engage with the scammers to see how far they would take their deception. To his surprise, he was offered a remote position with impressive pay and even received training materials for what seemed like an actual job.

While this may seem amusing at first glance, it highlights a serious issue that many job seekers face today – the prevalence of scams in the recruitment process. According to recent statistics, over 80% of organizations have reported experiencing some form of recruiting fraud within the past year alone. This not only puts individuals at risk but also tarnishes the reputation of legitimate businesses and hiring agencies.

The implications of these job scams are far-reaching and can have severe consequences for both victims and society as a whole. For instance, falling prey to such schemes often results in financial loss, identity theft, or even psychological trauma due to feelings of humiliation and failure. Moreover, it erodes public trust in the recruitment process, making it harder for genuine employers to attract qualified candidates.

As we move forward into an increasingly digital world, it is crucial that both individuals and organizations take proactive measures to combat job scams effectively. This includes educating oneself about common red flags associated with these fraudulent activities (e.g., unsolicited offers, requests for personal information) and reporting suspected scams promptly. Additionally, companies should invest in robust security protocols and background checks to ensure that their hiring practices remain transparent and trustworthy.

In conclusion, Alexander Sammon's experience serves as a timely reminder of the dangers posed by job recruitment scams. By raising awareness about this issue and encouraging vigilance among job seekers and employers alike, we can work together to create a safer environment for everyone involved in the recruitment process.

Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/08/08/nx-s1-5494743/weve-all-gotten-those-hiring-scam-texts-instead-of-deleting-this-writer-played-along) #we've

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