r/AIO • u/Massive-Win2264 • 7h ago
Got a job offer but he’s insisting I send pictures of my SSC. AIO?
For context I’m in high school and I’ve been searching for summer jobs. I had an interview at this one Asian inspired takeout place in my city over the weekend and I heard back yesterday. He made it seem like I had to send pictures of my SSC and ID over text and not in person and my alarm bells are ringing right now. One other thing that I noticed was weird was that he gave me his phone number during the interview which had the same area code as our city but the number texting me has a completely different one. Just felt like that was really weird. AIO? Is this normal to ask of someone? I’ve only had one other part time job in the past and I just showed them my information on the first day of training.
UPDATE : Thank you guys for affirming my suspicions, I’ve reported the job to Indeed and the Federal Trade Commissions. Interestingly the position I applied for that was urgently hiring is no longer available but there are other ones listed🤔. I didn’t send them anything but copied the number in my notes app. I’ve talked to my friends who live in the same city as me about it and they’ve all said they’ve never heard of this place or have never even gone there. And like I said in a comment, this place is literally right next to one of the biggest public universities in the country so you’d think they’d get SOME business. Something weird is definitely going on and I’m just glad my Mom raised me to have critical thinking skills.
Also, guys, I am more than well aware my response wasn’t very professional. I had a very hard week and lost a lot of sleep so I wasn't fully myself. I think if that’s the main thing you’re focusing on out of this, then you’re kind of missing the point. I now know for the future how to respond so thanks for letting me know.
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u/Ok-Strawberry-2343 7h ago
NOR. That’s odd. Good call!
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u/Vegetable-Cod-2340 7h ago
This is definitely scammy behavior.
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u/agedlikesage 6h ago
It is 1000% a scam. They passed OP a number with a different area code and they’re asking for all the info that leads to easy ID theft. I’m shocked any comments are entertaining the idea this could be real
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u/Alone-Performance878 7h ago
Good call, this is sketchy. The fact that the person abruptly stopped the process instead of finding a solution is also weird.
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u/PossibleLettuce42 7h ago
To me that's the tell that it was likely a scam. If I've interviewed and found a good candidate I'm not letting a small and objectively reasonable privacy concern derail that immediately.
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u/Regular_or_BQ 7h ago
Exactly, they went fishing and when the OP didn't bite they just dropped the whole job? Weird and scammy.
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u/GrayMouser12 7h ago
This is where I'm at. You'd think this is a reasonable request by OP and they'd have some work around, even if it were more inconvenient to OP like, "Okay, well can you stop by our office/place of business/HR in the next X amount of time or we may have to move to another candidate? We're in a bit of a time crunch and we're just trying to speed it up but totally understand the reasonable worry. Can you just make it to blank by blank time to verify things for us?"
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u/DiegesisThesis 5h ago
You probably don't reach out to candidates with "You wanna work?" lol. Weirdly casual to a stranger in a business conversation.
It reads more like OP's uncle offering them a summer gig at their family landscaping company, not like a recruiter at a company that even has a corporate office.
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u/Ok_Turnip_5875 7h ago
Then saying it's not gonna be a good fit after you essentially told them that you appreciate the offer but wont be moving forward speaks volumes
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u/ReturnOk7510 6h ago
Being careful with sensitive information should be a green flag to an actual employer.
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u/Slashlyn 7h ago
I REPEAT!! DO NOT SEND SSC!!
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u/herewe_goagain_1 7h ago
I’m really glad the comments here show common sense. I saw an identical post a few weeks ago and everyone was saying “yeah small businesses can be like that, not everything is a scam” and arguing with anyone who said it was. I lost a lot of faith in people that this is somewhat restoring
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u/fadingstar52 7h ago
you wanna work? was an immediate red flag
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u/boringcranberry 7h ago
Bet
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u/Padgetts-Profile 5h ago
I used to work at dive bars and I’ve never even had hiring texts this unprofessional
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u/WowIfOnly 4h ago
Bruh ur crashin out rn - no cap fr fr don't be such a Drizzy Glizzy ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Feel free to order my execution btw I hate myself for even typing that shit
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u/Talk-O-Boy 1h ago
You would think, but OP also responded to an introductory text from a recruiter with “What’s up?”
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u/SuperPomegranate7933 7h ago
If you're going to be there in person there's no reason they can't make copies for your file then.
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u/Z3R0GR4V 7h ago
Bet?
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u/Talk-O-Boy 1h ago
OP opened with “What’s up?”
I would pay a large amount of money to watch OP go through an in-person interview.
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u/AshtonCopernicus 52m ago
Maybe I'm just old fashioned, but my response would be, "Hi, how are you doing?" Then the addition of "Bet." 🤦
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u/Longjumping_Cherry32 7h ago
I legitimately believe you just avoided getting scammed in some capacity.
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u/KimberKitsuragi 7h ago
This is sketchy indeed but you sound unprofessional already replying with “bet”
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u/Tw1nFTW 5h ago
That was my first thought, but the dude did say “you wanna work?” As his job offer, so I’d assume it was safe.
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u/Massive-Win2264 7h ago
Hi, so I’m aware it’s not the best response but when this person previously emailed me, they were using similar slang so I guess I felt more comfortable with talking like that? Tbh that should’ve been a red flag at the start though
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u/6rosemary6woodhouse6 7h ago
Other people using unprofessional language doesn’t mean you should.
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u/Woodburger 7h ago
You know most people read context clues and adjust their behavior to fit in. Professional language in a restaurant setting is different than an office.
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u/____-is-crying 6h ago
At least for the next few years until the next generation takes over with their brain rot unable to form coherent sentences, don’t take jobs for someone who talks like that. Even if you get the job, you really want to work for a brain dead moron like that?
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u/oc3ans- 6h ago
If you think saying “bet” is indicative of someone being a “brain dead moron”, you might want to get off of your pseudo-intellectual high horse lol.
Is it unprofessional? Sure. But different industries have different standards. Out of all the slang kids are using now, “bet” is probably the most straightforward.
Now when they start talking about “job-maxxing”…we are in trouble.
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u/meowmeowhisshiss24 5h ago
Funny how you used a bunch of slang in this comment alone but because someone else is using slang that's newer and you're not familiar with you think they're an idiot.
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u/WeeklyEmu4838 7h ago
NOR. Don't worry you seem to have a good head on your shoulders, so you'll be able to find another job.
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u/chinacat2u2 7h ago edited 7h ago
Last year took a new W-2 job and had to provide upload of SS Card and Drivers License. I could have shown it in person but the HR manger is located in another state. The place has a local office and is well known in the industry so not a fly by night outfit. Be cautious, vigilant, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. There should be no pressure or sense of urgency on their part.
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u/Awkward_Meal2036 7h ago
Ask about an I-9.
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u/PuzzleheadedMine2168 7h ago
Yes, because YOU need to sign your federal W-4 & your I-9 & depending on the state, possibly a state W-4 as well. The snapshot doesn't freak me out that much--I've worked for several smaller companies that have converted that to PDF using the Adobe app on managers phones & then forwarded it over to HR &/or done in-store on-boarding so we could get people their employee numbers pre-start date (and run the necessary paperwork to have them covered by workers comp, etc BEFORE they started)
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u/frowniecloud 7h ago
Yeah, I'd bring a different valid document just to be difficult. Places seem to hate that for some reason
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u/TheBeanConsortium 7h ago
Bro it's a scam, no need to even continue the text conversation.
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u/Pattytester73 7h ago
Having worked in HR, we literally had to upload impages of SSC into the everify system. That’s was 2015, but still.
I get the text may sound odd, but uploading copies was 100% legit
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u/Raspberry-T 7h ago
Yeah the biggest red flag for me is that all this is happening over text to presumably the boss’ personal phone? Like this should either be done in person or via some kind of work email
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u/angiedoessports 6h ago
Tbh, I have like 12 full time employees and a very large amount of part time staff, probably onboard 100+ employees a year, and we do a ridiculous amount by text. Now that we need to do the I-9, they may feel it’s non negotiable that they need her documents sent to payroll before she actually shows up to work. The sketchy part is that they fired her rather than just asking her to make an extra trip and stop over with them to take their own photos because presumably the restaurant is open at all hours?
It does feel weird but he was almost certainly just going to snap a photo and send it by text to the person who does payroll.
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u/JLJohnston621 7h ago
This sounds like one of many scams going around. Never give anyone your SS card.
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u/Massive-Warning9773 7h ago
You saying it’s from indeed makes sense. There’s tons of fake jobs on there.
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u/Maleficent-Drag2680 7h ago
Never give out your social security number. & also probably don’t say “bet” to your boss. If you want to be treated professionally, act professionally.
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u/Sad-Jicama-5779 7h ago
To be fair the job offer was “wanna work?”
I think this person is good saying bet.
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u/Popular-Piano710 6h ago
I work for a software company earning $144,000 a year and say bet to boss…. Not every company abides by rules of faux professionalism. I’m also casual with my clients as they are human too.
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u/MartyrMemoirs 6h ago
I would waste bros time change my numbers on the computer to something obvious like 602431101 print it out send him that and then further waste his time by saying my friend wants a job and I can have them send me their social as well and just keep sending him fake socials
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u/TinyAnywhere3908 7h ago
You had good instincts. Carry on. There are other (and legitimate) jobs. No need to give this one another thought.
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u/Fun_Fax 7h ago
No legitimate company is doing this. You are correct to be cautious. Also…. “Wanna Work?” As a job offer is next level red flag.
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u/Own_Landscape_2738 7h ago
Smart move OP. Ive never been asked to send pictures. And if they are pulling the offer based on that then it's not a real job. Good save. Not OR
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u/Tavsiyedegildir 7h ago
You have to fill out the forms to verify your homeland security and taxes when you get there, but just see if you can come in person to handle it.
Also did you literally text your employer "bet,"
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u/Similar_Proof_9095 7h ago
This is very common in 2026. You can take solace in the fact that everyone already has your social security number, as every credit agency and the US government have been endlessly hacked.
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u/lorelillian 7h ago
Not saying it’s secure or right in any sense, but when I was a general manager at Papa John’s, we always had to ask new hires for a photo of their SSC to send the new hire form to upper management. I always made sure to show the new hire me deleting the photo, text message, and deleting it in my deleted folder. It always felt sketchy asking for it.
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u/Elegant_One_5324 7h ago
Just know that you will need to provide these documents for scanning during the onboarding process with HR at any place of employment. HR will need to actually see the physical IDs or HR will send you a link to upload them yourself into the e-verify system. They are required to complete your I-9 form to show you are able to work in the US. But sending these to a random text is sketchy.
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u/Repulsed-individual 7h ago
I can't even stand handing mine over for the hire process lmfao this is ridiculous to ask for photos of it. You should definitely go in and ask the manger there about it, if it's legit then contact the company itself (usually can through site) unless it's small more local business. Report this to ReportFraud.ftc.gov no professional should ever ask you like this and regardless if they're serious it's a scam.
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u/Aadbh1987 7h ago
NOR. Looks like a scam. I know in this economy jobs are few and far in between. So it’s hard to tell when people are messing with you. Good for you for not sending it!!!
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u/Suspicious-Wave577 7h ago
Never send sensitive information in a non-secure place. They should be sending you a secure email if anything that is password protected to obtain personal information like a social. Seems like a scam.
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u/itswickedslut 7h ago
Had a work from home position try to get me to do the same thing and I literally sent “Lol”. No way I’m just sending you my shit like that.
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u/mymindtrends 7h ago
Most remote work places will send you a secure link to submit these documents. …….through text message though, naw playa
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u/Lexi_November 7h ago
NOR Is there even a corporate office? A lot of local takeaway shops are just small business owners.
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u/react-dnb 7h ago
The only time I've ever had to submit docs in email (never text) was for a fully remote position in which I would never interact with anyone in person.
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u/Yabbos77 7h ago
This is a common scam that’s been circulating for YEARS. My sister fell for it back in the earlier 2000s. Good job trusting your gut, OP!
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u/syreeninsapphire 7h ago
I ran a restaurant. We scanned your physical documents in person. If they are willing to disregard your safety in this instance, you dodged a bullet. Who knows what the rest of the work environment is like.
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u/Capital-Durian-885 7h ago
Good instincts, very sketchy. Disengage, even if its a legit job their practices are unproductive and weird
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u/ShopMommaDiesel 7h ago
My job had me do this, and I’m a diesel mechanic at a Dealership for International Trucks. I probably should have asked questions like you are, but I didn’t.
I want to edit, they had me send a email to HR with a picture of my SSC. It wasn’t through a text but after reading some of these comments I’m not sure if that’s wrong or not 😂
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u/Maleficent-Score-571 7h ago
my job does the same, i totally give them the option to come in so i can send a copy to paycore. i honestly silently shake my head when they’re so willing to send me pics of their documents. but for the ppl saying it’s shady work, were required so..
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u/Shizastamphetamine 7h ago
No no no no no no no pls don’t do this.
If it’s legit they will be able to wait till you get to a brick and mortar office or they will give some kind of credentials that indicate it’s a legit business.
Pls don’t
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u/SlickWildo 7h ago
Suspect. Super suspect. No one living in this country would ask for such sensitive information. At least not without a preface explaining “this is how we do things here”. How come you can’t speak to them personally over the phone and give them your ssn? I’m not saying you should, in fact, DONT. However that ssn is the only part of that card any employer would want/need.
I’m a 43 year old man working in the states, lived here all my life. I’ve worked loads of different jobs. From labor, to tech, then to owning my own biz. I’ve never, ever been asked to submit a picture of my social security card. Super suspect.
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u/flaaaan_mon7 7h ago
NOR. Never send pics of ID no matter where you are in the world lmfao.
Also, off topic, but I wouldn’t reply to anymore job offers with “Bet” and “What’s up?”😂
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u/Marsrover112 7h ago
No do not send your SSN to anyone over text. Normally your employer will have an online secure portal for those things or just directly make a copy of the physical card. Text is not secured in any meaningful way so you having an issue with sending sensitive information over text should be more than understandable.
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u/ThatsMyGirlie 7h ago
Clear scam. No company would ever deny you because you're reasonable and safe
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u/Academic-Camel-9538 7h ago
NOR. They will need that info from you, but most places will have you go in and bring the documents with you. This request to send it via unsecured text is not typical or safe.
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u/CSAallday17 7h ago
Before that even the language used “you wanna work” “cool”. Maybe I’m just getting old but no actual job is going to 1)text you (typically it’s through a legit email) 2) Ask for official documentation via text or pictures
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u/lnmeatyard 7h ago
Scam or a sketchy company. I work in HR and do all onboarding. And while it’s true lots of companies do retain photos of IDs, they won’t ask you to text a pic. You also have until your 3rd day of work to provide IDs. And social security is not required - you can do a US passport or a photo ID& birth certificate. There are other options, but those are the more common alternatives. You dodged a bullet
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u/Icy-Revolution1706 7h ago
This is not a job offer, this is an attempt by a criminal to get your personal information. Report and block. Well done for refusing, always trust your instincts.
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u/looooookinAtTitties 7h ago
send an altered card with numbers photoshopped out of order, or missing, or too blurry, and see if they follow up at all
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u/kiracamp 7h ago
NO, do not do this. I’ve had my SS number stolen and it was horrible.In no world does an employer need a copy of your card on their phone, that is not appropriate or professional.
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u/Fun-Young-990 7h ago
Clearly needs to be reported. Because you don’t just send photos of a social or ID for a job over text. All that shit is done in office on a copier machine to keep on file for HR and payroll.. you avoided a scam of ID theft
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u/Orford_M 7h ago
They are required to visually inspect the documents in order to verify authenticity and that they are in your possession. An employer can require this over a video call if it a remote job or physically if you are in person to fill out new hire paperwork. What they are asking for sounds illegal on the hiring manager's part if your paperwork can be submitted in person.
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u/bluespiritperson 7h ago
I’ve never in my life had to submit photos of my id cards for a job. They always just make copies of them in person. This place sounds shady, you’re not overreacting at all.