Texas job scams jumped 25% in a year, new study finds. Here's who's being targeted

HOUSTON – Looking for a new job could come with more risks than ever.

A new study from SmartAsset found that reports of employment scams in Texas increased 25% year over year, placing the state No. 29 nationwide for the largest increase in reported job scams.

According to the study, there were 370 reported job scams per 1 million Texans in 2025, the most recent full year of data available.

While fraud schemes often target older adults, the report found that job scams are now the most commonly reported type of fraud among people ages 18 to 34.

Texas sees rise in job scam reports

SmartAsset analyzed data from the Federal Trade Commission to compare employment scam reports across the country.

The study found:

• Texas ranked No. 29 for the largest year-over-year increase in reported job scams.
• Reports of job scams increased 25% from 2024 to 2025.
• Texas recorded 370 reported job scams per 1 million residents in 2025.
• Employment scams were the most commonly reported fraud category among adults ages 18 to 34.

Which states saw the biggest increases?

South Dakota topped the list, with an 84.8% increase in reported job scams between 2024 and 2025.

The top 10 states with the largest increases were:

1. South Dakota (84.8%)
2. Maine (71.0%)
3. Alaska (65.0%)
4. North Dakota (55.6%)
5. New Hampshire (53.0%)
6. Alabama (45.0%)
7. New Mexico (44.0%)
8. Oklahoma (42.7%)
9. Kentucky (41.7%)
10. Arkansas (41.4%)

How to avoid job scams

Employment scams often involve fake recruiters, fraudulent job postings or offers that promise high pay for little work. Scammers may also ask applicants to send money for training, equipment or background checks, or request sensitive personal or banking information before a legitimate hiring process begins.

Job seekers can help protect themselves by:

• Researching companies before applying or accepting an offer.
• Being cautious of unsolicited job offers received by text or email.
• Never paying upfront fees for employment opportunities.
• Avoiding sharing sensitive personal or financial information until an employer’s identity has been verified.
• Watching for offers that promise unusually high pay or immediate hiring with little or no interview process.

According to SmartAsset, younger adults are increasingly being targeted by these schemes, making it especially important for first-time job seekers and those searching online to verify employers before responding to job offers.