13 Tricks Scammers Are Using to Target Job Seekers

Finding a new job can be stressful, especially now that scammers are trying to steal your money or identity.

It can be challenging to identify job scams since they’re designed to blend seamlessly with real work opportunities.

According to data from the Better Business Bureau, these scams most commonly affect people in the 24-to-34 age group, which includes many inexperienced new grads. Knowing these tactics can help you stay safe online during your job search.

Fake Work-From-Home Jobs

This scam preys on people who want a remote job but can’t find the right opportunity. The scammer posts an ad or reaches out to the job seeker directly, promising a position where you can make thousands.

The catch? You must pay an access fee to learn more about the role, which doesn’t exist.

Nonexistent Companies

AI makes it easy for scammers to create realistic websites, job postings, and emails for fake positions.

If someone takes the bait, they become the victim of identity theft after entering their name, address, Social Security number, and other personal information.

Equipment Purchase Scams

You think you got a new remote job. Your employer even sends you a check, money order, or electronic transfer to buy your laptop and equipment.

Then the check doesn’t clear — leaving you responsible for the hundreds or thousands you’ve spent out of your account.

Nanny and Caregiver Scams

This tactic targets people searching for a job as a babysitter, nanny, or home caregiver. The scammer posts fake ads on sites like Sitter City and Care.com.

When you respond, they try to get you to send money to learn more about the nonexistent job or give up your personal information so they can steal your identity. Sometimes, they make off with money and personal information.

The Direct Message Trick

Some scammers slide into your DMs on sites like LinkedIn. They’ll claim your profile captured their interest and want to hire you ASAP.

Once they make a connection, they might offer you a job or send you a contract without even an interview as a way to access your personal data. Sophisticated scammers might even set up a fake meeting on Zoom to lure in job seekers who seem skeptical of an instant offer.

Unrealistic Pay or Perks

If a job offer seems too good to be true, proceed with caution. Scammers often promise sky-high salaries that don’t align with the role’s responsibilities.

They might offer a signing bonus or benefits like extra vacation time and state-of-the-art tech.

Reshipping Scams

Avoid listings for “package handler” jobs. These fraudulent positions require you to receive products and ship them to other countries on your dime. You never get reimbursed for your spending or paid for your work.

You can even get arrested for sending stolen goods since scammers buy products using fake credit card numbers and then use “reshippers” to do the dirty work of distribution. The package handler scam often involves high-end electronics and other big-ticket items.

Vague Job Descriptions

When you receive a message from a scammer or spot a fake job ad, you might notice that just about anyone could qualify. The scammers cast a wide net with vague requirements like “must be 18 and able to type.”

They also limit details about the job duties, instead focusing on flexibility and high pay to attract job seekers. The messages won’t address you by name since they’re typically copied and pasted to thousands.

Virtual Assistant Scams

Be wary of virtual assistant jobs if the employer asks you to make purchases on their behalf right away. The “boss” often claims to be out of the country or otherwise unavailable, then asks you to buy gift cards they can use abroad. They’ll ask you to send them the bar code and PIN.

Next, the scammer sends you a wire transfer to purchase the gift cards. After you fulfill the request, the money fails to clear. When you check the balance on the gift cards, you’ll see that they also spent those funds.

Fake Recruiter Profiles

Another common social scam involves fake recruiter profiles on LinkedIn. These scammers target people with the green “Open to Work” badge on their accounts.

Like other scammers, these phonies try to get as much personal information and money as possible before you catch on. Some schemes even involve hacking your LinkedIn page so they can use your identity to try to scam your followers.

Spoofs of Real Websites

Some schemes duplicate the websites and apps of Amazon, Walmart, and other large companies. They post fake applications on these sites to gather data and steal your identity.

You might receive an email from a phony recruiter with a slightly off-putting address (walmartt.com, for example) or click a link in a legitimate-seeming job ad.

Secret Government Jobs

Scammers often contact veterans and other job seekers to recruit them for “undisclosed” government jobs that don’t exist. Shrouding the position in secrecy gives the scammer an excuse if applicants become suspicious about the lack of available details.

They also make the job sound exclusive to attract those seeking employment with a tough offer to turn down.

Postal Service Scams

One common scam claims you can get a lucrative job with the U.S. Postal Service, but you must pay to see the listings or submit your resume.

The federal government does not charge job seekers to search or apply for open positions.

Product Assembly and Sales Jobs

With these scams, someone contacts you with an opportunity to make money assembling items at home. Sometimes, they’ll ask you to resell the products or promise to send you luxury goods you can resell for a substantial profit.

However, you must pay upfront to access the necessary supplies or inventory. Once you send your payment, you’ll never receive the expected package.