Real employers do eventually need some information, so how do you tell normal from dangerous? Normal, after you are genuinely hired: your bank details for direct deposit, and tax forms (like a W-9 or W-4). Dangerous, before real work has happened: your full Social Security number, a photo of your ID, or bank logins, handed over to someone you have only chatted with.

Give sensitive details only once you have verified the company is real and the job is genuine, and only through official channels, not a chat app.

What to do: Keep your SSN, ID photos, and bank passwords to yourself until you have confirmed a real, offered job with a real company. When you do share, use the company’s official website or payroll system.