Dodge the deceit: Spotting and avoiding job scams

In today’s digital age, job scams have become alarmingly common, preying on individuals eager to find employment. These scams can be sophisticated, often mimicking legitimate job offers and leading unsuspecting job seekers into traps.

The Identity Theft Resource Center reported job scams increased by 118% in 2023. The data revealed job scams were primarily carried out through websites, typically LinkedIn or job search platforms. These scams are often designed to look like they are from legitimate sources, such as recruiters or reputable staffing companies like Express Employment Professionals, Specialized Recruiting Group or Express Healthcare Staffing.  

These deceptive practices aim to exploit both jobseekers and employers, resulting in frustration, wasted time and potential financial losses. According to the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker Risk Report, job scams were identified as the No. 1 risk for individuals ages 18–44. As these scams increase in frequency, it’s crucial to protect yourself by following these tips to validate potential job offers. 

How to spot job scams

Job scams often come as texts or direct messages on social media platforms asking someone to connect via various communication apps. They may include promises of employment without any review of the candidates’ qualifications and over-inflated promises of wages, requests for personal information, financial information in return for a job, emails, phone calls, etc., that are all too good to be true.

Tips to avoid job posting scams 

Do your research. Independently verify the legitimacy of the opportunity by checking the company’s website, social media and online reviews. Look for signs of legitimacy and ask yourself, “Is this an established business?” When in doubt, independently research the company’s contact information and call them directly.

Be wary of unsolicited offers. If you receive an email or a call from a recruiter, employer or staffing company that you didn’t apply to or contact, take an extra step to verify their identity and credentials before sharing any personal or financial information. If contacted via email, review the sender’s email address to confirm their domain name.

Watch out for red flags. Common indicators of a job posting scam include asking for money or sensitive information upfront, including social security numbers or personal bank account information and routing numbers. Offering high pay for low-skill work, poor grammar and spelling, and vague or unrealistic requirements and expectations are also red flags. 

Reporting job scams 

If you suspect that you have been the victim of a job scam or that someone has stolen your identity, immediately file a complaint with the appropriate federal entity.  

Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov or by calling 877-438-4338. 

Asia Johnson is an award-winning content marketing specialist for Express Employment International, covering a variety of career topics for job seekers and associated audiences. This article first appeared in the Jan. 24, 2025 edition of Job Journey. Visit blog/expresspros.com to sign up for this monthly newsletter by Express Employment Professionals, which provides tips and advice for every stage of your working life.

This article appears in Spring Guide 2025.