Job search scams are rising with the growth of AI; more of my job-search clients, from the C-suite on down, are being approached with convincing scam opportunities. Below, I explain how to spot them by analyzing an actual scam message that hoodwinked some recipients. This scam message was sent using a real recruiter’s hacked LinkedIn account, which made the deception more believable (note: if you ever suspect your LinkedIn account has been hacked, get help here).
While reading through the warning signs in this message, keep in mind the most common types of job search scams:
“Phishing,” which involves clicking on a link, so you’ll a) fill out a form and submit personal and financial information for identity theft, or b) unknowingly download malicious software onto your computer.
Asking for money or for you to buy something. A legitimate employer will never ask you to transfer money from your account for any reason, nor will they ask you to buy anything from a specific site.
Misrepresenting a job as legitimate, lawful work when, in reality, your work directly supports a criminal scheme, which could make you an unwitting accessory.
Analysis of a Scam Job Opportunity Message
Excerpts from the scam message, followed by an analysis, are below. All these scam-detection techniques apply equally to LinkedIn messages and Emails.
“Your background would be perfect for this role…” Really? Why? We don’t know because they didn’t elaborate. This kind of generic “your background is great” compliment should immediately trigger skepticism. Legitimate recruiters will reference something specific about either your background or the job as it relates to your background.
Closely related: they say they are recruiting for a host of very different positions. That is, they are casting a wide net, hoping that one of the positions they list will ensnare you. A legitimate recruiter wouldn’t do this; they would tailor their pitch to a specific role that matches your background.
“I’m a recruiter from WellKnownCompany…You can reach me at name@gmail.com .” A legitimate recruiter will always use the company email address, not a personal email address, so this is an absolute giveaway – it’s a scam. Similarly, if you receive a job opportunity email from someone using a personal email address, report it/send it to spam.
“WellKnownCompany is seeking for a remote Chief of Staff…” “is seeking for…” is a huge tip off. They couldn’t get the English right, or it’s a typo. Either way, very suspect.
“Send me your resume…” They wrote earlier in the message that the recipient’s background is perfect for the role, so why do they need a resume? Something doesn’t add up. Look for these illogical or contradictory statements, or anything that seems unprofessional. Also, when a legitimate employer or recruiter takes the initiative to establish a relationship and messages you for the first time, they ask for a conversation, not just for your resume.
“Upon review of your resume, we’ve decided that you’re perfect for this job! Congratulations, we’d like to make you an offer…” Not even an interview? That does not happen with a legitimate employer. This is truly a scam. In general, be wary of messages that seem too good to be true.
“As part of the application process, we need some background information from you, including your social security number, bank account…” No legitimate recruiter or employer would ever ask for this information in the application process. In fact, even after you’ve accepted an offer and have a start date, don’t provide your social security number or any financial information without being absolutely sure it’s a legitimate offer.
“Click on this link to begin the application process.” Hover over the link before clicking it, and you’ll see the actual URL (this works for emails as well – with Gmail, the URL will appear on the lower left of the screen). Does it point to the real, established company’s website? And is the spelling exactly right? For example, my website is hellmannconsulting.com . If the link pointed to “helllmannconsulting.com” (that is, three L’s, not two), then it’s a scam website.
Even better, skip the link and find the posting on the company’s website they’re supposedly representing. Similarly, don’t open any attachments from strangers (and sometimes even friends) without verifying they are legitimate.
Research the Sender
Start verifying the sender’s legitimacy by looking them up on LinkedIn, keeping in mind that someone could be impersonating a LinkedIn member, as in this case. Every recruiter these days has a substantial LinkedIn presence. Do they have a profile? If not, don’t respond. If so, do they show a professional photo and a professional-looking work history with at least 500 connections?
Go beyond just checking out their profile. Can you find them on the website if they’re more senior? Try messaging them on LinkedIn (the scammer who hacks into a LinkedIn account usually won’t solicit LinkedIn messages, as it would tip off the real owner) and at their organizational email address. Make sure an offer came from an employee using a real company email address.
Avoid Blind Ads in Your Job Search
A blind ad is a job posting in which the hiring organization isn’t named. These ads, from a search firm you’ve never heard of, can make the opportunity seem very tempting, especially in a difficult job market. The problem is that these jobs too often don’t exist, and you’ll frequently hear the recruiter say that the job’s been filled, but they’ll keep you on file for future opportunities; then they’ll try to sell you on something you really don’t want. So now you’ve wasted your time. At worst (and all too often), you’ll run into one of these scenarios:
You’re dealing with an unethical search firm. For example, they may ask you who you’ve been interviewing with. This is a sure sign to end the conversation. They only ask you this to learn for themselves who has openings so they can submit their other candidates (that is, not you, since you’re already interviewing) for the job.
You’ll be getting involved in a job search scam similar to the one just described.
The ad has been posted by your current employer – now they know you’re looking.
The solution: stick with job postings where the hiring organization is listed so you can research them, or where the search firm is one you know or has a strong reputation. You only have so much time to job search, so prioritize the highest ROI actions and don’t waste time on blind ads. Relatedly, go beyond job postings, build and leverage your network, and take the active approach to your job search.
How to Spot Job Search Scams and Protect Yourself
by Robert Hellmann • General, Getting Interviews, Interviewing, Job-Search Strategy
Job search scams are rising with the growth of AI; more of my job-search clients, from the C-suite on down, are being approached with convincing scam opportunities. Below, I explain how to spot them by analyzing an actual scam message that hoodwinked some recipients. This scam message was sent using a real recruiter’s hacked LinkedIn account, which made the deception more believable (note: if you ever suspect your LinkedIn account has been hacked, get help here).
While reading through the warning signs in this message, keep in mind the most common types of job search scams:
Analysis of a Scam Job Opportunity Message
Excerpts from the scam message, followed by an analysis, are below. All these scam-detection techniques apply equally to LinkedIn messages and Emails.
“Your background would be perfect for this role…” Really? Why? We don’t know because they didn’t elaborate. This kind of generic “your background is great” compliment should immediately trigger skepticism. Legitimate recruiters will reference something specific about either your background or the job as it relates to your background.
Closely related: they say they are recruiting for a host of very different positions. That is, they are casting a wide net, hoping that one of the positions they list will ensnare you. A legitimate recruiter wouldn’t do this; they would tailor their pitch to a specific role that matches your background.
“I’m a recruiter from WellKnownCompany…You can reach me at name@gmail.com .” A legitimate recruiter will always use the company email address, not a personal email address, so this is an absolute giveaway – it’s a scam. Similarly, if you receive a job opportunity email from someone using a personal email address, report it/send it to spam.
“WellKnownCompany is seeking for a remote Chief of Staff…” “is seeking for…” is a huge tip off. They couldn’t get the English right, or it’s a typo. Either way, very suspect.
“Send me your resume…” They wrote earlier in the message that the recipient’s background is perfect for the role, so why do they need a resume? Something doesn’t add up. Look for these illogical or contradictory statements, or anything that seems unprofessional. Also, when a legitimate employer or recruiter takes the initiative to establish a relationship and messages you for the first time, they ask for a conversation, not just for your resume.
“Upon review of your resume, we’ve decided that you’re perfect for this job! Congratulations, we’d like to make you an offer…” Not even an interview? That does not happen with a legitimate employer. This is truly a scam. In general, be wary of messages that seem too good to be true.
“As part of the application process, we need some background information from you, including your social security number, bank account…” No legitimate recruiter or employer would ever ask for this information in the application process. In fact, even after you’ve accepted an offer and have a start date, don’t provide your social security number or any financial information without being absolutely sure it’s a legitimate offer.
“Click on this link to begin the application process.” Hover over the link before clicking it, and you’ll see the actual URL (this works for emails as well – with Gmail, the URL will appear on the lower left of the screen). Does it point to the real, established company’s website? And is the spelling exactly right? For example, my website is hellmannconsulting.com . If the link pointed to “helllmannconsulting.com” (that is, three L’s, not two), then it’s a scam website.
Even better, skip the link and find the posting on the company’s website they’re supposedly representing. Similarly, don’t open any attachments from strangers (and sometimes even friends) without verifying they are legitimate.
Research the Sender
Start verifying the sender’s legitimacy by looking them up on LinkedIn, keeping in mind that someone could be impersonating a LinkedIn member, as in this case. Every recruiter these days has a substantial LinkedIn presence. Do they have a profile? If not, don’t respond. If so, do they show a professional photo and a professional-looking work history with at least 500 connections?
Go beyond just checking out their profile. Can you find them on the website if they’re more senior? Try messaging them on LinkedIn (the scammer who hacks into a LinkedIn account usually won’t solicit LinkedIn messages, as it would tip off the real owner) and at their organizational email address. Make sure an offer came from an employee using a real company email address.
Avoid Blind Ads in Your Job Search
A blind ad is a job posting in which the hiring organization isn’t named. These ads, from a search firm you’ve never heard of, can make the opportunity seem very tempting, especially in a difficult job market. The problem is that these jobs too often don’t exist, and you’ll frequently hear the recruiter say that the job’s been filled, but they’ll keep you on file for future opportunities; then they’ll try to sell you on something you really don’t want. So now you’ve wasted your time. At worst (and all too often), you’ll run into one of these scenarios:
The solution: stick with job postings where the hiring organization is listed so you can research them, or where the search firm is one you know or has a strong reputation. You only have so much time to job search, so prioritize the highest ROI actions and don’t waste time on blind ads. Relatedly, go beyond job postings, build and leverage your network, and take the active approach to your job search.
Be careful out there!