Texas Ranks #8 State Most at Risk of Job Scams in 2025

TYLER, Texas (TXAN 24) — Job scams have exploded across the United States this year, making them the fastest-growing form of fraud as economic uncertainty leaves job seekers vulnerable. A new analysis from BrokerChooser, released in recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, highlights which states are most at risk—and Texas is among the top 10.

Between May and July 2025, searches for “is this job offer a scam” doubled nationwide, reflecting growing concern among Americans navigating a tough job market. Employers announced nearly 700,000 layoffs in the first half of the year—an 80% increase compared to 2024.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), more than 75,000 job scams were reported in just the first half of 2025, with losses averaging $2,100 per victim. Texas ranked eighth most at risk, recording 168 job scam reports per million residents. Texans lost more than $27.8 million to fraudulent job offers in the first six months of this year—an $13 million increase over the same period in 2024.

Nationwide, Nevada topped the list with 242 job scam reports per million residents, followed by Florida and Colorado. While imposter scams remain the most common fraud type overall—with more than 516,000 reports in the first half of 2025—job scams are now the fourth most common scam in the country.

Experts warn that scammers are becoming more sophisticated, often using AI and even deepfake technology to pose as legitimate recruiters or companies. Many victims are lured in with promises of easy pay for simple work.

“Paying money or providing sensitive information should never be required for a job interview,” said Balazs Faluvegi, Senior Analyst at BrokerChooser. “Even detailed personal information is only requested by legitimate employers after you’ve been officially hired.”

How to Spot a Job Scam

• Be cautious if asked to pay money upfront for training, equipment, or application fees.

• Verify the employer through official company channels before sharing personal information.

• Watch out for vague job descriptions offering unusually high pay for minimal work.

• Trust your instincts—if an offer feels “too good to be true,” it probably is.

As scams rise alongside layoffs, experts stress that awareness is the best defense. Texans are urged to report suspicious offers to the FTC to help track and prevent further fraud.