Don't Fall for It: How to Spot Social Media Job Scams a Mile Away

As social media becomes more intertwined with our daily routines, cybercriminals are using it to trick people with fake job offers. What are these social-media recruitment scams, and how can you spot the red flags?

With unemployment surging in many countries around the world, in particular countries like South Africa, which is currently at the top of the highest unemployment list in the world at over 32%, it’s no wonder that scams targeting job seekers are becoming more common.

Cybercriminals are always evolving their tactics to match the latest trends and as job-searches on social media grow, so does the potential for recruitment-related fraud.

Types of job scams

There are two main types of job scams, but they all have the same aim: conning you into giving them money or your personal details.

The first kind involves impersonation, where fraudsters pose as legitimate recruiters and reach out to you via WhatsApp, Telegram, or social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, or even on email. They may use stolen logos and profile pictures of very attractive people to lure you into thinking they're from an HR department or recruitment firm.

The second type of job scam involves fake job postings. Using legitimate job boards, scammers post fake job offers to get your personal information. Facebook, with its broad user base, is particularly desirable for scammers. Cybercriminals exploit the platform's features, like Groups and Marketplace, to post fake job listings and approach potential victims.

How can you stay safe while job hunting?

Here are three clear indicators that a job posting or recruitment drive could be a scam:

• Unsolicited offers and unprofessional communication: Beware of unsolicited job offers, especially if you didn't apply for them. Legitimate employers follow a formal recruitment process and won't haphazardly reach out on social media. In addition, look out for spelling errors, poor grammar, international phone numbers, or email addresses from Gmail or Yahoo.
• Remote work that pays well: If the job offer is "fully remote" and the salary sounds too good to be true, it's likely a scam. Cybercriminals know that many people want to work from home, and they often offer unrealistic compensation to lure victims.
• Requests for payment or your personal information: The most significant warning sign is when they ask for payment for application fees, training courses, or background checks. Legitimate employers won't charge job seekers for employment services. In fact, it’s illegal to do so. They also won't request sensitive personal information, such as your identity number or bank account details, until a very advanced stage of the recruitment process.

To ensure your safety during your job search, it's important to trust your instincts and be cautious. Pay attention to warning signs, and take proactive steps to verify the legitimacy of job offers and recruiters. Remember, anything that sounds or looks too good to be true, most likely is.