Job hunting is stressful enough without being targeted by fake recruiters. So if you're on the job hunt, it's wise to keep your scam radar on high alert for suspect listings.
Key Takeaways:
- What may seem like a legitimate job listing could actually be a trap
- Most of the targets are financially vulnerable, looking for part-time or casual employment
- While some scams are easy to spot, others are highly convincing. Keep an eye out for generic or vague job descriptions.
Digital fraudsters have job seekers in their sights, and are exploiting recruitment platforms to steal personal information and infect devices with malware.
What may seem like a legitimate job listing could actually be a trap set by cyber criminals posing as recruiters or hiring managers.
Indeed, the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) reported that financial losses due to job scams increased by 151 per cent from 2022 to 2023.
So how can you stay safe while job hunting?
How these scams work
Cyber attackers are leveraging recruitment apps such as SEEK to distribute fraudulent listings. After all, they are the perfect hunting ground for scammers.
Just a keystroke away lies a gold mine of valuable information: public resumes, contact details, and a direct channel to job hunters.
Here’s how these fake job postings typically work:
Resume harvesting:
Scammers collect resumes to gather names, phone numbers, email addresses, and employment histories – information often used in phishing and social engineering attacks.
Malware delivery:
Victims may be asked to download ‘job application forms’ or ‘training materials’ that are actually malware in disguise.
Financial fraud:
Some fake recruiters request payment for certification programs, background checks, or onboarding kits, none of which are legitimate.
Some fake recruiters request payment for certification programs, background checks, or onboarding kits, none of which are legitimate.
In some cases, victims are even unknowingly lured into money mule schemes, where they’re asked to transfer money or goods as part of a ‘job’, putting them at legal risk.
According to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), most of the targets are financially vulnerable, looking for part-time or casual employment, speak English as a second language, and have limited knowledge of Australian laws.
Red flags to watch out for
While some scams are easy to spot, others are highly convincing. Keep an eye out for generic or vague job descriptions, poor grammar or suspicious formatting, a lack of verifiable company details and requests for payment or personal info early in the process.
Scammers often send messages through encrypted messaging platforms, such as WhatsApp, sending fake job offers to users. They will also often apply pressure to act quickly or download files.
Always verify a job listing by checking the company’s official website or contacting them directly. Be cautious about submitting sensitive information until you’ve had a proper interview and confirmed the legitimacy of the role.
Stay safe while job searching
Protecting yourself doesn’t mean missing out on great opportunities. Just trust your instincts and do your due diligence. Here are a few quick tips:
- Research the company and recruiter before engaging.
- Avoid paying for training or background checks; legitimate employers will cover these costs.
- Never download unexpected files, especially PDFs or .docx files, from unknown sources.
- Use a dedicated email address for job hunting to track who has your contact information more effectively.
Continue learning with Cyber Wardens
For more information on how to stay safe online and avoid being scammed, enrol in the free Cyber Wardens training program.
