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- Job Scams on LinkedIn at All Time High
What You Need to Know
LinkedIn has become a prime target for scammers exploiting its reputation as a trusted professional network. Recently, job-related scams have surged, with fraudsters impersonating legitimate companies to deceive job seekers. Using LinkedIn’s direct messaging feature, they lure victims with fake job offers, direct them to counterfeit websites, and request sensitive personal information under the guise of hiring procedures.
Some scams involve fake Zoom interviews, where job seekers are tricked into providing Social Security numbers, bank details, or even paying upfront costs for background checks or equipment—something legitimate employers never require. The rise of AI-generated images and websites has made these scams even more convincing, increasing the risk of identity theft and financial loss.
What You Should Do
- Be Skeptical of Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers – If a job posting promises high pay with minimal effort or requires upfront payments, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate employers will never ask for money or sensitive financial details before hiring.
- Verify the Company’s Legitimacy – Research the company independently. Visit its official website (by typing the URL manually) and check if the job listing is posted there. Contact the company’s HR department to confirm any job offers.
- Use Reverse Image and Text Searches – Scammers often use stock photos or stolen identities. Perform a reverse image search using Google or TinEye to verify recruiter profiles. Copy and paste the job description into a search engine to see if it appears elsewhere.
- Check Website Authenticity – Use whois.com to verify domain ownership and the site’s creation date. Scam websites are often newly registered and owned by unrelated third parties.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Information Prematurely – Never provide your Social Security number, banking details, or credit card information before confirming the employer’s legitimacy. A real employer will only request such details after a formal hiring process.
Think you are being scammed? Call our scam hotline or email us for help:
(801)-724-6211
scamwatch@invisus.com