Most people assume job scams only happen on sketchy websites or through random emails. Unfortunately, that’s no longer true.
Today’s scammers are incredibly sophisticated. They create fake LinkedIn profiles, post fraudulent jobs on legitimate job boards, and even impersonate well-known companies.
The good news is that once you know what to look for, most scams become pretty easy to spot.
When I work with students in our one-on-one Career Coaching program, I teach them these seven red flags to watch for when applying for their next opportunity.
1. If it sounds too good to be true…
A legitimate employer wants qualified candidates, but they also have actual hiring standards. Watch out for postings that promise unusually high salaries for little to no experience, guarantee you’ll be hired immediately, advertise perks that seem way better than comparable positions with other companies, or include vague job descriptions with little information about the actual role or responsibilities. Also, pay attention to whether the job itself makes sense. For example, if a position that clearly requires on-site work (like a barista, receptionist, or warehouse worker) is advertised as fully remote, that’s another reason to slow down and investigate further.
For example, you might see a posting that advertises things like:
- “$75/hour. No experience required.”
- “Work only 5-10 hours per week and earn six figures.”
- “Set your own schedule, work from anywhere in the world, and start immediately.”
- “No interview necessary. You’re hired!”
- “Entry-level position with unlimited earning potential.”
None of these automatically means a posting is fraudulent, but they should definitely make you slow down and do a little more research. If a posting seems to promise all the benefits with very little explanation, it’s worth taking a closer look before clicking “Apply”.
2. Don’t assume every posting on LinkedIn or Handshake is legit
Many of my students are surprised to learn that scams can and do appear on trusted platforms. While websites like LinkedIn and Handshake work hard to identify and remove fake postings, scammers constantly create new accounts and find creative ways to appear legitimate.
I tell my students that it doesn’t mean they should avoid using these platforms, but it DOES mean paying close attention. If you do come across what appears to be a fraudulent posting, report it to the platform so it can be investigated and removed.
One of the easiest ways to verify a position is to visit the company’s official website and navigate to its Careers page. If the position exists there, great. If you can’t find the position listed there, that’s another reason to slow down and investigate a bit.
3. Research both the company and the recruiter
Before submitting an application or responding to a recruiter, I have my students spend a few minutes doing research. Does the company have a professional website? Does the listed address actually belong to the company, or is it a UPS Store, empty lot, or unrelated business? Does the recruiter have an established LinkedIn profile with connections, activity, and a work history that aligns with the organization?
Also, pay attention to the email addresses you receive communications from. Legitimate recruiters almost always communicate through their company’s email domain rather than personal email accounts.
For example:
jane.smith@company.com = likely safe
companyrecruiting@gmail.com = questionable
4. Be cautious if they ask you to move the conversation elsewhere
It’s completely normal for employers to communicate via email, phone, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams. However, my students know they should be cautious if immediately asked to move the hiring process to apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal, especially if there’s been little or no formal interview. While some international employers legitimately use these platforms, scammers often move conversations off established sites because it’s harder to report them. If the entire hiring process takes place through a messaging app, take the time to verify the opportunity before moving forward.
5. No legitimate employer will ask you for money
This is one of the biggest warning signs, and it can happen in different ways.
A legitimate employer will never ask you to pay for training, purchase equipment through them, buy gift cards, cash checks, send cryptocurrency, or transfer money as part of the hiring process. Believe it or not, some scammers will even offer to send YOU money to buy work equipment. It’ll usually come in the form of a check or gift card. Don’t do it.
Now, some companies may ask employees to purchase equipment after being hired and reimburse them through normal payroll procedures, but they should never ask for money up front, especially not as a condition of employment.
6. Protect your personal information
At some point during the hiring process, employers will need sensitive information like your Social Security number, banking information for direct deposit, or tax documents. However, that typically happens after you’ve accepted a legitimate offer and completed official onboarding paperwork.
Be cautious if you’re asked to provide highly sensitive personal information before you’ve even been interviewed or received an offer. When in doubt, pause and verify before sharing anything.
7. Be cautious if you’re being rushed
Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency because they don’t want you to have time to think. Sometimes that means getting an offer without any kind of interview, or after only answering a few questions on a platform like WhatsApp.
You may hear things like:
“We need an answer today.”
“This offer expires in the next hour.”
“Complete these forms immediately.”
Legitimate employers understand that accepting a job is an important decision. While there are definitely deadlines, employers are typically willing to answer questions and allow you a reasonable time to review the offer. If someone is pressuring you to act immediately without giving you time to verify information, that’s a red flag.
When you’re unsure, ask someone you trust
If something feels off, ask someone to take a look before providing personal information or accepting an offer. Career Coaches, Career Centers, professors, mentors, and trusted professionals review job postings every day.
The vast majority of employers are legitimate. Knowing these warning signs simply helps you focus your time and energy on the real opportunities.
At Educational Connections, we’re here to help with more than just resumes and interview preparation. We can also help you evaluate job and internship opportunities, review questionable postings, answer career-related questions, and provide guidance throughout your search. We invite you to schedule a free call to discuss our one-on-one Career Coaching program and see if it’s the right fit for your young adult or college student.
About Our Guest Author:
Britt Chill is a Career Counselor with Educational Connections, with 13+ years of experience helping college students and recent graduates land their first jobs. She holds a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration and Counseling, as well as a background in business and career development.
Britt specializes in resume strategy, interview prep, LinkedIn optimization, and using AI tools to strengthen applications. She’s known for guiding overwhelmed young adults from “I have no idea what I’m doing” to a clear plan and real job opportunities.