The interview asked for my credit card. I should have run.

I was in a video interview for a role I wanted badly.

Near the end they said HR needed my credit card to run a “background verification” charge that would be refunded.

I read the number aloud; small charges appeared, then larger ones over the next nights.

The “recruiter” inbox stopped answering when I asked for a receipt.

Fake interview scams harvest card data; there was no employer.

Real companies do not take interview fees on personal cards.

I was nervous and did not want to seem difficult by refusing a “standard” step.

The company name on the invite did not match the domain on the follow-up email when I compared them side by side on the real careers site.

I cancelled the card and disputed charges; shame sat with every “tell me about a time you showed judgment” question in later real interviews.

No legitimate employer asks for your credit card in an interview.

I hang up and verify through the company’s official careers contact.

• Refuse payment requests during hiring; report to the FTC (US) or local fraud lines.

For more help, see our Report a scam page and Spot and avoid scams guide.