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You’ve updated your resume, polished your LinkedIn profile, and practiced answers to common interview questions. You’re almost job search-ready. But before reviewing job listings and responding to recruiters, it’s vital to familiarize yourself with common job scams.
After all, the Better Business Bureau reports that an estimated 14 million job seekers are confronted with job scams annually. But arming yourself with information is one of the smartest ways to avoid work-from-home scams and land a legitimate remote job.
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What Are Job Scams?
Before we jump in, let’s define the basics of a job scam. A job scam is a false work offer designed to mislead job seekers. Scammers seek personal information that you might be less protective of during a job search.
For example, you might have anticipated having to give a social security number (SSN) to a prospective employer, so you hand it over to a scammer. A request for your social security number would send up red flags during your daily tasks but seems less threatening in the middle of a job search.
Posing as recruiters and company representatives, job scams show up as fake job postings, mimicking reputable organizations or using fake company names that appear authentic until you start your research. Scammers sometimes add a layer of credibility by using stolen identities or compromised LinkedIn accounts to post fake job listings.
Recognizing these warning signs and taking protective measures, such as thoroughly researching companies and being aware of red flags before applying, is crucial to prevent yourself from falling victim to job scams.
10 Common Remote Job Scams
It’s no secret that the remote job market has evolved. Unfortunately, so have work-from-home job scams. Explore the most common ways scammers prey on hopeful job seekers.
1. LinkedIn Job Scams
It seems like you should be able to let your guard down on LinkedIn, as it’s a professional networking site. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Even large sites like LinkedIn can be used by scammers. LinkedIn scams often involve fake job postings with enticing job offers and attractive salaries that lure unsuspecting job seekers in. Once scammers make contact, they request sensitive personal information, such as social security numbers or bank account details.
2. Indeed Job Scams
Job boards that aren’t vetted are fertile ground for scammers. Indeed scams are fake listings to coax personal details from you. If you realize something is too good to be true, you’ve protected your identity but wasted time and effort. Victims of Indeed scams might even participate in fake interviews, adding to the deception and potentially resulting in downloading a virus to your computer.
3. Social Media Job Scams
You might feel safer in your digital world on various social media platforms, but you should stay vigilant. Scammers use Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to create fake profiles, groups, or pages posing as employers or recruiters. Exercise caution if you explore jobs on social media. Watch for red flags, such as unsolicited contact from unknown recruitersand requests for sensitive personal or financial information.
4. Email Job Scams
Take time to thoroughly verify unsolicited job offers you receive via email—especially if they’re full of questionable promises. These emails often include dangerous links that have viruses or are part of phishing scams. Don’t give out sensitive information. Thoroughly research the company in a different tab, and don’t download anything or click on links. Instead, head to the company’s website and apply directly if you believe they’re offering legit online jobs.
5. Text Message and DM Job Scams
Unanticipated job pitches that slip into your direct messages or text inbox can be sophisticated scams artfully crafted to swipe your sensitive data. They may include a link to an application or a request for more information, but don’t fall prey. Do your due diligence by looking the company up on LinkedIn or looking through the list of employees on the website. Don’t hesitate to contact the company to verify whether or not you’ve been contacted by a real employee. Most of all, never give out personal information through texts or private messages.
6. Job Placement Job Scams
Scammers sometimes offer services to place you in nonexistent positions, usually for an upfront fee, leaving you jobless and out of cash at a time when you probably can’t afford it. Always research the company and never pay for job placement services. Trust your instincts and look for legitimate, reputable agencies with a track record of success.
7. Classified Ads Job Scams
Have you seen job openings posted on Craigslist and other classified ad sites? Con artists frequently use classified ads to advertise phony jobs, exploiting the limited verification processes inherent in these platforms. You’ll find postings for envelope-stuffing jobs from home, but more giant corporations generally utilize more formal recruiting avenues.
8. Recruiter Job Scams
Getting recruited without having to apply is a dream come true, right? After all, that eliminates half of the job search struggle. Knowing this, fake recruiter scams focus on snagging your information or money. Take a moment to fact-check a recruiter’s contact. Ask how they found you and what stood out. Take the time to verify who they are and how they reached out to you. Remember, legitimate recruiters won’t ask for sensitive data upfront.
9. Paying for Training Job Scams
A classic scam involves asking you to pay for mandatory training for a job that doesn’t exist. Scammers often offer a guaranteed job at the end of the training, but it’s all a ploy to take your money. Always research the company offering training and never pay for any training. Trust your instincts and remember that legitimate companies won’t ask for payment for mandatory training.
10. Government Job Scams
Scams involving supposed “government roles” target those seeking stable employment with seemingly authoritative organizations. Be wary of any job requiring payment for exams, certifications, or other fees. Legitimate government jobs will not require upfront payment and should be verified on official government websites.
For more details on common job scams, check out 16 Common Job Search Scams and How to Protect Yourself.
How to Know if a Job Is a Scam: 15 Signs of an Online Job Scam
It’s nearly impossible to list all the work-at-home scams at any given time. And unfortunately, there’s no master job scammer list or list of fake recruitment agencies. Instead of trying to memorize every new trick that pops up, familiarize yourself with common signs of an online job scam.
1.Asking for Personal Information (SSN)
An upfront request for sensitive personal information is a glaring warning sign. Legitimate job offers only require you to provide your social security number or other confidential data after formal offers are made and the onboarding process has begun. If a recruiter asks for this information upfront, tell them you don’t share it before onboarding. It’s unlikely you’ll hear from them again after they find out you aren’t easily scammed.
2. Asking for Financial Information
Legitimate employers don’t require your financial details during the application stage. Job offers that request credit card information or bank account numbers aren’t legitimate. If you’re working in an economics role, you might be required to complete a credit check, but this should occur in the final stages of the hiring process and is generally completed by a verifiable company separate from your prospective employer.
3. Chatting Through Messaging Systems
A legitimate employer will likely conduct interviews via video,like Zoom. Even if a recruiter initially makes contact via LinkedIn, your conversation should soon move to a more professional email format to start the official hiring process. If they insist on using messaging systems or unprofessional channels like WhatsApp or Telegram, it’s a signal that you need to move on.
4. Company Lacks Credibility
A sketchy online presence or lack thereof is reason for suspicion. If you need help finding information about the company online or their website looks unprofessional or incomplete, it’s likely a scam. Additionally, if they don’t have a physical address or phone number on their website, that’s a significant red flag.
5. Emails Come From Unofficial Domains
One of the quickest ways to spot a scammer is by looking at the email’s origin. Official communication should come from verified company emails, not a generic account. Look for some form of the recipient’s name and then a domain that matches the official company website.
6. Asking for Money for Training
Reputable employers will invest in your development, not charge you for it. If a job offer requires you to pay for training materials or courses, it’s likely an employment scam. If a company suggests that you need certification, such as a food handler’s permit or realtor’s license, it’s not immediately a red flag. You should, however, be able to verify the cost and requirements independently. If not, it’s likely a scam.
7. High Pay for Entry-Level Job
Outlandish salary promises for minimal qualifications are a classic bait-and-switch technique. If a job offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always research the average salary for similar positions, and be wary of any significantly higher offers without a valid reason.
8.Grammatical Errors and Typos
A single misspelled word or an extra space isn’t cause for concern. But it’s time to step back and reconsider when a job description is filled with typos, incorrect verb tenses, and other glaring grammar errors. Professional listings are well-written and double-checked.
9.Vague Job Descriptions
Legitimate postings will have clear expectations and requirements. If the job description is vague and lacks details or responsibilities, it could be a sign of a scam. Scammers often try to appeal to as many people as possible with generic job descriptions to get personal information or payment from unsuspecting applicants.
10. Job Offer Without an Interview
It would be great to skip straight to the job offer. Actually, no, not really. The interview is a professional standard that allows you and the hiring manager to gauge how well your skills and interests align with the position. A job offer without an interview doesn’t align with standard hiring practices and should most likely be declined.
11. Easy Job Interview
A lackluster interview could mean the job needs to be more legitimate. A reputable company will take the time to interview candidates and understand their skills and qualifications thoroughly. If the interviewer seems uninterested or unprepared, it could be a sign that the job isn’t real.
12. Offered Job on the Spot
Tying into that tip, be wary of any impromptu job offers. Keep in mind that legitimate job openings likely have multiple candidates. Honest hiring managers want to review all of their options before deciding. As exciting as it may seem to receive an instant offer without going through the hiring process, be cautious and do some digging. Stick with reputable companies that follow standard hiring practices.
13. No Verifiable Address/Contact Information
Do you need help figuring out how to contact a company? Sure, in today’s world, many companies put more effort into their digital presence than their physical one, but even so, authentic companies have verifiable contact details available where clients and business partners can reach them.
14.Asks for Wire Transfers
No. Just no. No credible reason exists for a company to ask you to wire money or deposit a check. This is a common tactic used by scammers to steal personal information or money from unsuspecting job seekers. Never send money or accept money from a potential employer.
15.Too Good to Be True
If the opportunity seems unbelievable, trust your gut—it probably is. While high-paying jobs with minimal experience required do exist, any highly lucrative job posting requiring little to no effort is often too good to be true. Knowing your market value before you launch your job search ensures you can see the scams coming and block those emails before they go any further.
5 Ways to Research Employers
Now that you know what to watch for, you can confirm postings for legitimate online jobs.
1. Review the Company Website
A genuine business will have a substantial online footprint with precise details about its operations. Take advantage of the contact details and ask questions through email, phone, or online chat support. Check for reviews from previous employees or clients, and review the company’s LinkedIn profile to ensure it matches the website’s branding and tone. Look through some of the profiles for a few high-level employees—at least a few of them should have an active LinkedIn presence.
2. Browse Social Media
Legitimate companies maintain up-to-date social media profiles. Look closely at the posting dates and content. The posts could be a red flag if they’re impersonal or sporadic. Also, check for engagement from followers and employees. While legitimate companies generally have a presence on at least one or two social media platforms, the lack of a profile on a specific platform isn’t a cause for concern. For example, a children’s toy company might put their efforts into Facebook, rather than Twitter.
3. Research Company on Google
A quick internet search can uncover details concerning an employer’s reputation. Check for news articles, press releases, and customer reviews. You can also use tools like Google Maps to verify the company’s address if it has brick-and-mortar offices.
4. Read Employee Reviews
Platforms like Glassdoor and LinkedIn can offer firsthand perspectives from people who’ve worked at the company. Remember that one bad review isn’t a clear cause for concern. Instead, look for common themes and patterns across multiple reviews. Also, check the company’s responses to negative feedback.
5. Utilize Your Network
Put your network to use. Ask who might have experience with a company, either as an employee or customer. If you don’t have an extensive network, now is a great time to start building one. Reach out to alumni networks or industry groups. You can also use LinkedIn to connect with current or past employees and ask for their honest opinions and experiences.
Avoiding Work-From-Home Job Scams
Distinguishing reality from scams in the digital job market is vital. Without the ability to walk into a store or an office, you have to rely on other sources and clues to help you uncover red flags, employment scams, and hackers attempting to steal your information.
It’s unrealistic to think that job scammers will fade away, but you have ways to protect yourself with a safer job search. A reputable job site like FlexJobs can help you find legit online jobs faster, easier, and more safely. We prescreen every job and company before posting them to our site. Our trained research team weeds out the apparent scams and the more sophisticated ones, along with commission-only jobs, low-quality positions, “business opportunities,” and other junk, so our members are guaranteed a quality job search experience.
