How to spot a fake job posting

In today’s digital age, job seekers face a growing challenge: the difference between real job opportunities and scams. Fake job posting is becoming more sophisticated, which makes vigilance and informed for job seekers.

Danger of job scam

California Attorney General Rob Bonta recently issued a warning about the dangerous increase in the recruitment scams. As Federal trade commission data Cited by Bonta’s office, the recruitment scams have almost three times from 2020 to 2024, with consumers alone in 2024 damaged $ 501 million. With such important financial effects, it has never been more important to recognize the warning signals of fake job posting.

Major warning signal of fake job posting

1. Great to be true

• Unusually high salary: If a job provides extraordinary high salary for minimal experience or promises unrealistic allowances, it is a scam. Valid employers are transparent about compensation and job expectations.
• Immediate job offer: Be careful if you are offered a job without interview or after a very brief conversation.

2. Vague job details

• Lack of expansion: Scammers often post vague job details with very little detail about responsibilities or qualifications. Actual companies provide clear information about what the role is.
• Unclear expectations: If the job details seem vague or clearly do not underline the responsibilities of the role, it can be a red flag.

3. No company information

• Missing Company Description: If the company’s name is missing or it is difficult to get online information about them, then proceed with caution. Valid employers want the candidates to learn about their organization and have a web appearance.
• Unchanging recruitors: If you cannot find a recruiter or their company online, it can be a scam.

4. Disgusting communication

• Poor grammar and spelling: See poor grammar, mispelling, or unprofessional email address (eg, instead of company domains instead of individual gmail or Yahoo accounts).
• Urgency and pressure: Scammers can push you to make decisions quickly, such as providing personal information or accepting a job offer at the spot without interview.

5. Request for personal information in the process

• Sensitive information request: The valid employer will never ask for sensitive information like your social security number, banking details, or password during the initial stages of recruitment. They usually ask for personal data after only a formal proposal, and it should be done through safe channels.

6. Social media red flags

• Unwanted messages: Especially be cautious with job opportunities that come to you unexpectedly through social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp or Instagram.
• Immunity Strategy: Fraudsters create fake accounts that implement famous companies using famous companies and company information, which look valid.

7. Financial request

• Upfront Payments: According to the California Attorney General’s warning, a major red flag occurs when employers ask for money for “training materials,” “application fee,” or other expenses. Valid employers never ask candidates to pay for opportunities to work.
• Banking information: Scammers are often believed to target financial information by requesting the bank account details for salary deposits before the completion of any formal recruitment process.

8. Additional Teletel Signs identified by FTC

• Suspicious interview process: Only text messages or interviews interviewed on instant messaging platforms without video or voice components.
• Job offered without clear duties: To be hired for positions with vague responsibilities like “money transfer specialist” or “payment processor”.
• Unrealistic flexibility: Promises for complete work-to-home flexibility with hours without any oversight or schedule.
• Ask for payment application: Request to download specific payment application or cryptocurrency wallet for “payroll objectives”.
• Request for purchase device: Specified vendors specified by the employer are being asked to buy equipment.

How to save yourself

Do research on company

• Verify job posting: Go directly to the company’s official website or LinkedIn page, to see if the job is listed there. If it is not, be careful.
• Review reviews: Look for reviews on platforms such as the Glassdor, in fact, or LinkedIn to ensure that the company is valid and a good reputation.

Verify job posting

• Use official channels: Legislative companies usually use official company portals or professional job platforms for applications (eg, linkedIn, in fact, glassdoor).
• Contact the company directly: If you get a job offer claiming to be from a specific company, contact the company through your official website or phone number (contact information provided in the suspicious message) to verify the opportunity.

Be cautious with personal information

• Only safe channel: Never provide sensitive information. Employers usually ask for personal data after only a formal proposal, and it should be done through safe channels.
• Protect your documents: Scammers may request copies of identification documents or bank statement for the purposes of fraud. Only share such documents through safe, verified channels after confirming the validity of the employer.

Trust your tendency

• If it feels: If something is felt, whether it is the details of the job, communication, or process, then it is better to walk away. Trust your tendency.

Report fake posting

• Report to officers: If you face a fake job posting, report it to the platform where it was listed and organizations such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). It helps in protecting other job seekers.
• Contact your state Attorney General: As is evident from California’s participation, the State Attorney General is actively working to combat the job scam. Report suspicious job posting to your state’s Attorney General’s office.

By taking active steps to know about these warning signals and to verify job posting, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victims for job scams. The FTC has never more important to vigilance in the job search process, with FTC tripping the number of cases in about three cases. Always prioritize your safety and safety while chasing employment opportunities.

Ready to start your job search? For more information, see the page of our job seekers.