The warning signs of recruitment fraud aimed at nurses, what a genuine employer will never ask for and where to report it.
Job scams target nurses because demand for nurses is high and many apply to several roles at once. A fake recruiter may copy a real employer’s name, logo and job titles. Knowing the warning signs protects your money and your identity.
A genuine employer will never
- Ask you to pay an application, training, background check or “processing” fee.
- Send you a cheque and ask you to buy equipment or forward part of the money.
- Ask for your bank account, card details or Social Security number before a formal offer.
- Interview you only by text message or chat app with no phone or video call.
- Make a job offer without an interview.
Other warning signs
- Emails from free webmail addresses claiming to represent a hospital or health system.
- Pay far above the market for the role and location, with no clear reason.
- Pressure to accept or send information immediately.
- Spelling and grammar that do not match the employer’s normal communication.
How to check a recruiter is real
Find the employer’s contact details yourself, from its official website, and ask whether the person and the job exist. Do not use phone numbers or links from the message you are checking.
How we contact candidates
Our recruiters contact you from our own email domain or by phone, and every job they discuss is listed on this website. We never charge candidates and never ask for payment details. You can read our full recruitment fraud notice.
If you think you have been targeted
- Stop responding and do not send money or documents.
- If you shared bank details, contact your bank straight away.
- Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and to the employer being impersonated.
- If your Social Security number was shared, visit IdentityTheft.gov for next steps.
First published October 28, 2026. Nursing Job Board articles are general information for job seekers, not clinical, legal or licensing advice. If something here looks out of date, let us know.
