Instances of job deceptions are increasing. Interrogating with the right queries can guide you away from them.
The surge in job deceptions is remarkable, per the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Recent figures illustrate that reported damages have multiplied fivefold between 2020 and 2024. In 2024 alone, reported losses exceeded half a billion dollars, with unreported losses presumably escalating actual damages even more.
In the previous week, we discussed how “pay to get paid” frauds constitute a substantial portion of online job deceptions. Here, we will elaborate on a few more circulating on social media and through texts—and how certain direct inquiries can prevent falling victim to them.
Two archetypal job deceptions to be wary of
The recruiter hoax
Certain job scammers masquerade as talent scouts from job firms who approach potential targets through the same channels legitimate firms do—via email, texts, and social networks. This can sometimes let individuals lower their guard because such contact methods are not uncommon, catching them off guard.
However, one swift way to detect a swindler is when the “recruiter” requests a payment for matchmaking, especially if it is demanded upfront. Genuine headhunters, temporary agencies, and staffing agencies typically receive payment from the hiring company or business. Job seekers are not charged anything.
Fraudulent training and equipment fees
Another type of deception occurs during the job “onboarding” phase. The fraudster warmly welcomes the individual to the company and then notifies them of the necessity to undergo online training and potentially purchase a computer or other office equipment. Naturally, the fraudster requests the individual to cover all expenses—leaving the individual out of hundreds of dollars and the fraudster with their payment details.
Identify job deceptions by posing pertinent queries
An effective method to identify a job deception is to interrogate for explanations. Posing direct questions about a company and the job it advertises, akin to a conventional interview, can expose inconsistencies in a scammer’s narrative. Essentially, scammers are playing a role, and some are inadequately prepared for their part. They do not meticulously think through the specifics, hoping that individuals will be excited enough about a job opportunity to refrain from asking too many questions.
If the hiring process progresses quicker than anticipated or there are scant details about the job, it is certainly time to raise queries. Here are a few you can refer to when you start suspecting a potential scam…
“What does the complete job entail, and what are the day-to-day duties?”
This is an excellent starting point. Legitimate employers draft job descriptions that are displayed on their website and job boards. These descriptions elaborate on the tasks and responsibilities comprehensively. A legitimate employer should be able to furnish you with a job description or clearly explain it during a discussion.
“Where is the company located and which places does it have branches in?”
This query can quickly stump a fraudster. A swindler might evade disclosing a physical address. Similarly, they might provide a fictitious one. Either a non-response or a falsehood can promptly expose a scam, as conducting a web search for a physical address after questioning can unveil the truth. (Resources such as the Better Business Bureau can also aid in researching a company and its reputation.)
“Who will be my colleagues, and who will I report to?”
Inquiring about coworkers, superiors, reporting hierarchies, and similar aspects can also help uncover a scam. Genuine employers, once again, will have prompt responses. They might even divulge names and backgrounds of individuals. Conversely, this is an area where fraudsters could expose themselves by lacking these essential details.
“What are the subsequent stages in the hiring procedure?”
This question alone can offer an insightful clue. Numerous job deceptions hurry through the hiring process—omitting the typical interview cycles and follow-ups that genuine jobs incorporate. Swindlers want to manipulate individuals swiftly, so they expedite the “hiring process” as well. If it seems like you are rushing through the steps, there is a possibility of a scam.
“Can you provide insight into the company’s background?”
Every enterprise has a narrative, even if it is in its nascent stages. Anyone in a recruiting or hiring role will have a thorough understanding of this inquiry, as well as any subsequent questions concerning the company’s mission or objectives. Once again, ambiguity in responses to such queries could reveal a potential scam.
Further techniques to evade job deceptions
Exercise caution with employment offers on social media.
Scammers frequently reach out through direct messages on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and similar sites. Recruiters adhere to legitimate professional networking sites such as LinkedIn. Companies maintain official accounts on recruitment platforms that are recognized and trusted, hence any communication outside of these platforms should raise suspicions.
Discern and filter deceitful links.
Deceivers exploit the “hiring process” to deceive individuals into divulging personal information through malicious links. Web protection, encompassed in our packages, can guide you away from such threats. Similarly, our Scam Detector scrutinizes URLs in your text messages and sends alerts if they appear dubious. If you inadvertently click on a malicious link, both web and text scam protection will block the access to the risky site.
Minimize your digital footprint.
Numerous scammers obtain your contact details from data brokerage sites. McAfee’s Personal Data Cleanup scans some of the most precarious data brokerage websites, identifies those selling your personal information, and, depending on your package, assists in its removal. Our Social Privacy Manager further diminishes your public visibility. It enables you to adjust over 100 privacy settings across your social media accounts with a few clicks, ensuring your personal details are shared only with those you choose.
The article Seeking Employment? Detect a Fraud using These Inquiries was first published on McAfee Blog.
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