This Halloween, it’s not just haunted houses that jobseekers need to watch out for. Fake job adverts are becoming more common and harder to spot. Scammers now pose as well-known brands, contact candidates directly on WhatsApp and social media, and build convincing websites to lure in applicants.
Recruitment scams have become so widespread that the UK’s data watchdog is now investigating a spike in complaints about automated “add me on WhatsApp” calls, which appear to lead victims into fake job offers.
It’s a pattern jobseekers are increasingly sharing online. In one recent thread on Reddit’s r/UKJobs forum, a user described being asked to pay a fee on a scam website to submit a job application.
Amanda Augustine, a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC), Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), and resident career expert for resume.io, says:
“Even though reputable job sites work hard to screen out fraudulent job ads, scammers are always finding new ways to sneak through”
“During periods of low job security, these scams tend to get more sophisticated. My advice to job seekers is simple: trust your instincts. If an opportunity feels a little ‘too perfect’ or ‘too easy,’ take a step back and verify it before you engage. Scammers know exactly how to craft a job posting that will catch your eye.”
With this in mind, Augustine offered the following guidance for jobseekers to avoid fake job listings:
If it’s too Good to Be True
One of the biggest giveaways of a fake posting is when the offer sounds too perfect. If the job promises sky-high pay, flexible hours, and requires little to no experience — or doesn’t require a CV or skill assessment before an interview — it’s likely a scam. Real employers need specific skills and outline clear responsibilities. If it feels like you’re being sold a dream rather than offered a real role, trust your instincts and move on.
Suspicious Job Titles
Certain job titles show up again and again in scams because they sound appealing and broad enough to attract lots of applicants. Think “remote assistant,” “data entry specialist,” “mystery shopper,” or “reshipping coordinator.” In many cases, these roles are commonly linked to money muling, requests for upfront payments, or even illegal money transfers disguised as legitimate work. If the title seems overly generic, too quirky, or paired with vague responsibilities, it’s worth a closer look before you apply.
Company Impersonation
Fraudsters borrow the names and logos of well-known companies to make their listings look legitimate. But a closer look often reveals no mention of the role on the company’s official website, or a recruiter emailing from a personal domain like Gmail or Yahoo. This borrowed credibility can be convincing, which is why it’s so important to verify the job posting before you apply.
They Want Money Up Front
A clear red flag is when a company asks you to pay for something before you’ve even been hired. Legitimate employers will never request fees for training, equipment, or application processing, nor will they ask for your credit card or bank account details at the start. If you’re asked to pay money or share sensitive financial details as part of the hiring process, it’s not a job — it’s a scam.
Unprofessional Communication
Pay attention to how the recruiter communicates with you. Emails filled with typos, poor grammar, or odd phrasing should raise red flags. The same goes for correspondence coming from personal email addresses rather than a corporate domain. Scammers also like to create urgency, pushing you to act fast or accept an offer without a proper interview. A legitimate recruiter won’t rush you through the process or communicate sloppily.
Sketchy or Missing Contact Info
Always check a company’s contact information. If the business has no physical address, no phone number, or only a generic “About Us” page, that’s a reason for concern. Real organisations are transparent about who they are and how to reach them. If the details feel incomplete or questionable, dig deeper before sharing any personal information or committing to an application.
Your Gut Says Something’s Off
Sometimes the biggest red flag is your own reaction. If something feels off about a recruiter or an organisation, don’t ignore that instinct. Do some research — check reviews on Glassdoor and run a quick search for the company name with terms like “scam” or “complaint.” While not every negative review means fraud, skepticism is a healthy tool when protecting your career and your identity.
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