Remote gigs that start right away sound ideal – but they’re also a scammer’s favorite trap. Most students want to have a job lined up before graduation, especially if it’s a WFH opportunity. These fake job offers are designed to steal your personal info (or even your money), in the disguise of a real job.
We get it – the job market is tough right now. But don’t let urgency cloud your judgment. Take your time. Do your research. Stay vigilant. And remember, if it sounds too good to be true – it probably is.
Most Common Job Scams:
- 🚩Advertisements For Jobs on Social Media
- Many scammers try to get you to apply for jobs that seem too good to be true on social media. This is a quick hack for them to steal your personal information.
- 🖥️ Virtual Jobs
- Scammers know remote jobs are in high demand, so they are hiding behind fake job applications waiting to trick you.
- 💬 Texts or WhatsApp job offers
- Many job scammers are trying to con you into jobs by reaching out via text and Whatsapp – always research the number first. Most companies do not reach out via text or whatsapp for a job offer if they have not met or heard from you.
How to Spot Job Scams:
- ℹ️ They already have your personal info … but you never applied?
- If a company reaches out and you never sent in a resume—BIG 🚩
- Scammers often pretend to “recruit” using data they’ve scraped or stolen.
- 💵The pay seems too good to be true
- “$1000/week to post on Instagram!” Sounds amazing, right? That’s the point. Unrealistic pay is bait. Don’t bite.
- 📵 No interview? No Onboarding? No thanks.
- Legit jobs have a process – applications, interviews, onboarding. If they skip all of that, pay attention! It is probably not real.
Job Hunting? Stay Smart with these Cyber-Safe Tips:
- 👀Do a vibe check (aka Research!)
- Google them. Check their Linkedin. Real companies leave real footprints online.
- 🌐Only apply through the official “https:” sites
- Sketchy links = sketchy jobs. Use the company’s official site or trusted job boards.
- 🚷 Don’t job hunt in complete silence
- Got any doubts? Run it by a friend, a mentor, or a family member – a second opinion can always save a first mistake!
Happy Job Hunting! Remember to use these tips to land your REAL dream job.
Stay safe, stay smart, stay #CyberFlexed.
