Job Scams Are on the Rise

If you’ve recently stumbled across a job that seemed too good to be true, you’re not alone. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), job scams have surged nearly 19% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year.

Even more concerning? Many of these fake listings are showing up on trusted platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter, the very places professionals rely on to find legitimate career opportunities.

Just last week, I came across what appeared to be a corporate position at Armani that turned out to be a scam. The job post was well-written, branded, and linked to a profile on LinkedIn, but after a few minutes of review, I realized it was fake.

Why Job Scams Are Increasing

Scammers have become much more sophisticated. They know job seekers are desperate, stressed, and often navigating multiple applications at once. Common reasons behind the rise include:

• AI-generated job descriptions that sound credible.
• Cloned recruiter profiles using stolen photos and real company names.
• Remote work popularity, which makes it easier to disguise fraudulent job offers.

Red Flags to Watch For

If you’re actively applying, keep these signs in mind:

1. The process moves unusually fast.
   You’re offered the job after one short interview or none at all.
2. They ask for personal or financial information early.
   Legitimate employers will never request your Social Security number, banking info, or a copy of your ID before an official offer.
3. The email address doesn’t match the company domain.
   Be wary of generic Gmail or Outlook addresses claiming to represent major brands. Or worse yet, an email from what appears the correct domain. Only recently I received an email from kormferry.com instead of kornferry.com.
4. Upfront payment requests.
   You should never pay for background checks, software, or training as part of onboarding.
5. Vague job descriptions or mismatched details.
   If something feels off it probably is.

My Best Advice

Be diligent, cautious, and curious as you navigate your job search and simply ‘slow down.’ While trusted platforms work hard to monitor fake postings, scammers are getting better at blending in. Always take a moment to double-check before you click apply.

At Simply Great Resumes, I help professionals stand out with expertly written resumes, optimized LinkedIn profiles, and personalized career coaching. Whether you’re actively job searching or preparing for your next career move, I’ll help you build a strong, authentic brand that attracts the right opportunities.