Watch Out for Cybercriminals Looking to Scam Eager Online Job Seekers With Empty Promises

Job seekers should be wary about providing sensitive personal information online and should never pay upfront money to get a job

As competition for remote and in-office positions heats up, cybercriminals exploit job seekers’ urgency with fake listings, phishing emails and fraudulent “recruiters.” Their tactics range from collecting application fees to harvesting personal data for identity theft. Knowing how these scams work and where to verify legitimate opportunities can protect you, and your wallet—during the search.

How Online Job Scams Operate

Scammers post fake jobs on legitimate boards or create look-alike sites to lure applicants with promises of high pay, flexible hours and quick hires. They may send official-looking emails asking for a “processing fee,” require you to buy training materials or push you to share your Social Security number and bank account details for direct deposit setup. Once they have your money or data, they vanish.

Red Flags to Spot Immediately

• Requests for any payment, application fee, background check fee or equipment purchase before you start
• Offers of a job without a proper interview, skills assessment or reference check
• Unsolicited messages directing you to non-secure sites or attachments that require you to install software
• Use of free email addresses (Gmail, Yahoo) instead of a corporate domain
• Vague job descriptions or roles that change after you engage
• Pressure to respond “right away” to secure a spot

Verifying Legitimate Opportunities

Before applying, research the company’s official website and HR contact. In North Carolina you can check business registrations via the Secretary of State’s online database. Confirm open positions listed on the employer’s own career page. If contacted through a job board, compare recruiter details and email domains to those on LinkedIn or company announcements. Never click links in unsolicited emails, navigate directly to company sites instead.

Protecting Your Personal Information

Limit initial applications to basic details: name, email and phone number. Do not share your Social Security number, bank account or driver’s license until you have a written offer from a verified employer. Use a unique password for any job-search portal and enable two-factor authentication when available. Consider creating a dedicated email address for applications to isolate potential phishing attempts.

Beware of Malware Delivery Schemes

Some scams arrive as “onboarding documents” or “company software” that prompt you to download a file. These installers can be malware, keyloggers or ransomware. If a recruiter asks you to install an application to view job details, decline and ask for a PDF or web link. Scan any received files with up-to-date antivirus software before opening.

Avoiding Fake Recruiting Agencies

Legitimate staffing firms never charge candidates. If an agency demands payment for resume review or “priority placement,” it is a scam. Check for reviews on Glassdoor or the Better Business Bureau, but note that the BBB does not enforce resolutions. In North Carolina you can report unscrupulous agencies to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at (919) 814-5400.

Using Official Job-Search Resources

Free and reputable platforms include USAJOBS, the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s NCWorks Online and major private boards like Indeed and LinkedIn. These sites invest in fraud detection. Bookmark their career pages and sign up for alerts rather than responding to random ads on social media.

What to Do If You Encounter a Scam

• Stop communication and do not send money or personal data
• Report the listing or recruiter to the job board’s fraud team
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov
• Notify the North Carolina Attorney General’s office online or at (919) 814-5400
• Monitor your credit and consider a security freeze if you shared sensitive information

Safe Job-Search Best Practices

• Apply for positions through verified company portals or official government sites
• Keep your resume free of full address and Social Security details, use city and state only
• Use LinkedIn to connect with actual employees and hiring managers before sharing personal data
• Track applications in a spreadsheet or app so you know which sites are legitimate
• Ask for detailed job descriptions and written offers before providing banking or tax information

By staying vigilant, confirming employer identities, and never paying to apply, you can steer clear of job-search scams and focus on finding legitimate opportunities that match your skills and career goals.