Scammers are increasingly targeting jobseekers on LinkedIn with fake job advertisements, according to research from security firm NordLayer. With over 100 job applications submitted per second on LinkedIn, nearly two-thirds of British users have been targeted by these scams. However, LinkedIn says that it catches 99.3% of detected spam and scams using automated defenses. The fake job ads are not limited to LinkedIn, as scammers also exploit genuine job websites and target university students directly through email.
One common tactic used by scammers is to send job offers that require the recipient to download something and provide personal details. This personal information can then be used to steal the jobseeker’s identity or commit fraudulent activities. Another common scam is the advance fee scam, where job applicants are asked to pay money upfront for various reasons, such as training or travel fees, with the promise of reimbursement.
University students and new graduates are particularly vulnerable to these scams, as they may be seen as less knowledgeable about the recruitment process. Scammers have been targeting US university students in fields such as biosciences, healthcare, and biotechnology. The messages sent to these students often come from fake domains that imitate genuine organizations and aim to convince applicants to pay for computer equipment upfront.
Platforms like LinkedIn are implementing measures to combat job scams. LinkedIn has introduced safety features such as verifying profiles and checking for AI-generated images. The company is also testing a feature that allows job posters to provide verified accounts and email addresses to ensure legitimacy. Other job websites carry out verification processes to confirm the legitimacy of advertisers.
In the meantime, jobseekers are advised to be cautious and verify the existence of organizations before sharing any personal information. The Online Safety Bill, expected later this year, is also anticipated to provide stronger protection against job scams.
