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Job Offers or Job Fakers? How to Spot Employment Scams Before They Spot You

Before You Apply: How to Tell if That Job Is Real. 

Landing a new job can be exciting, but that doesn’t mean you’re not vulnerable to scams. Cybercriminals are trying everything to scam U, including using fake job listings to trick job seekers into sharing personal data, sending money, or even providing access to their bank accounts. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), employment scams are among the top reported fraud categories every year, costing U.S. job seekers millions of dollars annually. ¹ 

These scams can appear anywhere — from popular job sites and recruitment platforms to social media feeds and inboxes. Scammers know that job seekers are often eager, hopeful, and ready to respond quickly, which makes them prime targets. 

🚩 RED FLAGS TO WATCH OUT FOR 

  • The job sounds too good to be true. If the salary or perks seem wildly above industry standards—or if you’re offered a job without an interview—that’s a sign something’s off. Scammers often use tempting offers to lure applicants into acting fast. 
  • Poor grammar or vague job descriptions. Real companies take time to write clear, professional listings. Watch for spelling mistakes, unclear role descriptions, or generic company names that don’t link back to a verifiable website. 
  • Requests for personal information too early. Legitimate employers may ask for personal details after a job offer is made, but not usually beforehand. If an application or recruiter requests your Social Security number, banking details, or copies of your ID before you’ve even met them, stop immediately! 
  • Upfront payment for training, equipment, or background checks. No legitimate company will ask you to pay for your own onboarding. If they say you need to send money for training materials or a laptop, it’s indeed a scam. 
  • Communication happens only via text or encrypted messaging apps. Professional recruiters use company email addresses — not Gmail, WhatsApp, or Telegram. 

 

🛡️ HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF 

  • Research the company. Look up its website, read employee reviews, and check the domain name of any email exchanges you get. 
  • Never send money or gift cards as part of an application process. 
  • Trust your gut. If something feels rushed or “off,” it probably is. 
  • Use verified job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, or company career pages. 
  • Report suspicious job listings to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or to the platform where you saw the listing. 

 

💡 REMEMBER: A real job will pay U — not the other way around. Staying alert and skeptical of too-good-to-be-true offers will help protect your identity, your finances, and your peace of mind. 

And don’t forget — UMe has your back. Our goal is to help our comm-U-nity stay safe online, from your finances and beyond! U+Me = UMe. 

 

¹ Source: Federal Trade Commission – Job Scams 

Additional reference: Better Business Bureau – Employment Scams 

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