Protect yourself
Stay Safe
Tip 1: Create and manage accounts only on official services
Type login.gov, usajobs.gov, or sss.gov directly into your browser. Don't use links from unexpected emails, texts, or social media messages.
Tip 2: Never share passwords or authentication codes
No real recruiter, agency, or helper needs your password or the one-time code sent to your phone. Anyone asking for it is not someone to trust.
Tip 3: Be cautious of guaranteed job offers and payment requests
Federal agencies do not charge you to apply, and no one can guarantee you a federal job. Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or "processing fees" are warning signs.
Tip 4: Verify recruiters and job announcements
Confirm every federal job on USAJOBS or the agency's own .gov website. If someone contacts you, find the agency's contact information yourself and check.
Tip 5: Ignore "missed jury duty" threats
Scammers call or text claiming you missed jury duty and must pay a fine to avoid arrest. Courts contact jurors by mail and never demand payment by phone, gift card, or payment app.
Tip 6: Inspect website addresses before entering sensitive information
Official U.S. government sites usually end in .gov and use https://. Look carefully for misspellings or extra words in the address.
If something seems wrong
- Stop and don't send money, codes, or documents.
- Find the agency's official contact information yourself, through USA.gov, and ask them directly.
- Learn how to report scams on the official websites below.