Searching for a job has always been a challenging task.

However, with the rise of online platforms, job seekers are now facing an even greater hurdle—job scammers who impersonate recruiters to steal money and personal information.

According to Eva Velasquez, president and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, job scams have been increasing rapidly. As more people rely on online platforms to find employment, scammers use fake job offers to exploit hopeful job seekers.

Tehseen, a 28-year-old quality assurance analyst, fell victim to one such scam. After a series of interview questions and an online application, she received a job offer from a supposed marketing technology company. However, after depositing a check and being asked to pay for equipment shipping, she discovered the offer was fraudulent.

Recognize the Red Flags

Job scams often offer unrealistic salaries for relatively simple positions, especially for remote jobs. Scammers tend to target vulnerable job seekers with enticing offers. They may also ask for personal information like your Social Security number and driver’s license before a formal job offer is made. Be wary of giving out sensitive details until you have a confirmed, legitimate offer.

Research the Company and Recruiter

Before responding to a job posting or recruiter, verify the legitimacy of the company and its representatives. Search for the company’s official website and confirm if the job opening is listed there. Research the recruiter’s name to ensure they have a credible social media presence. If the company doesn’t have an official job listing, avoid engaging further.

Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links

Scammers often send job seekers links to forms or questionnaires requesting personal information. If you receive a message from a recruiter you don’t recognize, avoid clicking on links or responding immediately. Instead, research the recruiter’s identity and verify that the company is legitimate.

Never Deposit Checks

A common scam tactic is sending a fake check, followed by a request for money to cover supposed expenses. If you deposit a fake check, the bank will eventually catch on, and you’ll be responsible for any money you withdrew and sent to the scammer.

Be Cautious on Job Platforms

Job platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed are popular and reliable, but not every listing is guaranteed to be legitimate. Scammers can post fake job openings on these platforms, so it’s important to be cautious. Trust your instincts and avoid applying to positions that seem too good to be true.

Verify Recruiter Emails

If you do engage with a recruiter, use email verification tools like Emailable or Clearout to confirm the authenticity of their email address. You can also call the company directly to ensure the recruiter is a legitimate employee.

By staying vigilant, job seekers can protect themselves from scammers and navigate the job market with confidence.