Job scams
3 min Reading time
Not every job offer is what it seems – sometimes you’re dealing with scammers. Fraudulent job offers are increasingly appearing on social media, messaging apps, or job platforms. Scammers try to lure victims with fake vacancies to steal personal information or money.
How does it work?
Criminals pose as recruiters or temporary employment agencies and contact people directly via WhatsApp, Telegram, LinkedIn, or other social media. They offer part-time or freelance work that promises “quick money” for simple tasks like completing assignments, liking posts, or making small transfers.
At first, everything seems legitimate – you might even receive a small payment. But soon, they ask you to transfer money, activate an account, or share personal information. Victims are sometimes unknowingly used as money mules, with their bank accounts exploited for money laundering. This is not only dangerous but also illegal.
Red flags: how to recognize this type of fraud?
- You receive an unsolicited job offer via social media, messaging apps, or a job platform like LinkedIn
- The job sounds too good to be true: high pay, little work, no experience required
- You’re offered the “promising” job immediately, without an interview
- You’re asked to pay upfront or share your bank details
- The contact uses a generic email address (Gmail, Hotmail, etc.) or an unknown number
How to protect yourself?
Don’t respond to unsolicited messages with job offers
Always verify whether a vacancy is genuinely from the company in question
Never pay to get paid – a legitimate employer won’t ask this
Don’t share personal or financial information via social media or messaging app
Still fell into the trap?
Immediately cut off contact with the scammer
Report the profile or ad on the platform where you saw the job offer
If you’ve transferred money, contact your bank as soon as possible
File a police report and report the fraud case