job search scamInstances of job search scams continue to rise as remote work and AI advancements provide scammers with new tools to deceive unsuspecting job seekers. How bad is it? According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), job scams surged by 118% in 2023 after tripling between 2020 and 2021. So, what can you do to protect yourself? Below are some ways you can spot the most popular scams and stay safe in your job search to avoid becoming a job search scam victim.

Fake Job Postings

  • Scammers often use Artificial intelligence (AI) to generate realistic job postings and fake websites, making them harder to detect. These ads often appear on well-known job boards, increasing their credibility.
  • Independent verification is key. Before applying, verify the company and job posting using contact information from their official website.
  • Be skeptical of job offers that seem “too good to be true,” promising high pay for minimal work or requiring you to share personal information early in the application process is a red flag.

Impersonating Real Companies or Recruiters

  • The government impersonation job search scam increased 90% and led to $76 million in reported losses in 2023 (up from $40 million in 2022), according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). And $20 million has been lost to this job search scam in Q1 2024.
  • Scammers often use slightly altered web addresses or fake email addresses to pose as employees of legitimate companies. They may use the name and credentials of real people to appear more trustworthy.
  • Double check the URL of the company. Job search scam artists often use fake URLs that closely resemble legitimate ones, such as changing “.com” to “.net” or adding “.co”, “.ai” or using common misspellings, like “Goggle” instead of “Google”.
  • The FTC’s new impersonation rule on government and business impersonation debuted in 2024, providing stronger tools to pursue job search scam artists in federal court and seek compensation for victims.

Requests for Upfront Payments

  • Legitimate employers never ask for money or require payment for processing or training. If a job requires an upfront payment for training, materials, or equipment, it’s a scam.
  • Beware of refund promises where they send you money and ask you to return the excess funds. These payments are often fake, leaving you financially responsible for bounced checks or fraudulent charges.

Digital-Only Interactions

  • Job search scam artists prefer text, WhatsApp, and messaging platforms that leave room for anonymity. Why? Because it makes it harder to verify their identity.
  • Face-to-face or phone interviews are standard. Even for remote jobs, legitimate employers will usually require a phone or video interview. So if someone is offering you a job without an interview, “caveat emptor!”
  • Early requests for personal information should be a warning. If a recruiter asks for sensitive information such as your Social Security number or bank details early in the process, especially before you’ve received a verified job offer, it’s likely a job search scam artist at work.

How to Protect Yourself from Job Scams

Use reputable job search platforms who have stronger measures in place to detect and remove fraudulent listings. Choose job search sites with rigorous vetting practices such as FlexJobs or LinkedIn, who recently updated its guidelines for third-party job boards and applicant tracking systems (ATS) that post jobs on its platform. Also, be sure to independently verify job offers. Contact the company directly using contact details from their official website and verify the legitimacy of the job offer and the person who contacted you. Never rely solely on information provided in the job posting.

Limit the information you provide and ensure it is only the essentials. Sensitive details such as your Social Security number should only be shared after verifying the employer and receiving a formal job offer.

But most important, be sure to trust your instincts when you sense a red flag is flying. If something feels off about a job offer, it is better to walk away than to risk falling victim to a job search scam that can leave you and your credit and bank account in shambles.