New Cyber Scam Targeting Job Seekers on LinkedIn – Don’t Fall for It
If you receive a job offer on LinkedIn without even applying, it’s time to be cautious! Cybercriminals are now exploiting job seekers by offering fake employment opportunities under the names of reputed companies. Their primary goal? To steal your personal data or trick you into making payments. This alarming trend has seen a rise in recent months, especially targeting professionals with an ‘Open to Work’ status on LinkedIn and other job search platforms.
Many professionals update their LinkedIn profiles with the ‘Open to Work’ tag, indicating their job-seeking status. Scammers identify such profiles and send fraudulent job offers via LinkedIn messages or emails. These job offers often match the recipient’s qualifications and experience, making them appear legitimate. Once the job seeker engages in conversation, the scammer eventually asks for money under the pretense of application fees, training charges, or background verification. Once the payment is made, the scammer disappears, leaving the victim defrauded.
Job Offer Without Application: If you receive an offer without applying or having any prior communication with the company, it’s likely fraudulent.
Lack of Company Details: A legitimate company will always have an online presence. If you can’t find any verifiable information about the company, be cautious.
Suspicious Email Addresses: Emails from personal domains like Yahoo, Hotmail, or generic domains without an official company extension should raise a red flag.
Unrealistic Salary or Position: If a job offer seems too good to be true—such as an extremely high salary for minimal qualifications—it is likely a scam.
Request for Confidential Information: Authentic employers never ask for sensitive details such as bank account numbers, credit card details, or personal identification numbers.
Demand for Payment: No genuine company will ask job seekers for money as part of the hiring process. If a recruiter demands any form of payment, it is a clear indication of fraud.
Verify Links Independently: Before clicking on any job-related link, check if it leads to an official company website. Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources.
Contact the Company Directly: If you receive a job offer, visit the official website of the company and contact their HR department to verify the offer’s authenticity.
Never Make Payments: No reputable organization charges fees for job applications, interviews, or onboarding. If a recruiter asks for money, report and avoid further communication.
Check Online Reviews: Search for company reviews and scam alerts online. Many fraudulent job postings get flagged by victims, which can help you avoid falling into the trap.
Enable Email and Account Security: Use two-factor authentication on LinkedIn and other job search platforms to prevent cybercriminals from misusing your profile.
As cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics, job seekers must remain cautious while engaging with recruiters online. LinkedIn and similar professional networking sites are excellent tools for career growth, but they also serve as hotspots for scams. By recognizing the warning signs and taking precautionary measures, you can safeguard yourself from financial loss and identity theft. If you come across a suspected fraudulent job offer, report it to LinkedIn and the relevant cybercrime authorities to help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
