An issue on the rise with remote work
With the rapid rise of remote work, searching for a job online has become a habit for thousands of professionals. But this convenience has also opened the door to a modern threat: fake job offers. Today, some scams are so well-crafted that they can deceive even the most cautious. Thanks to artificial intelligence, scammers are now able to create convincing job postings—complete with logos, professional email addresses, and even fake recruiters on LinkedIn.
How do these scams work?
The pattern is often the same: under the pretense of an attractive job offer, the goal is to extract money or personal information from you. Sometimes, you’re asked to pay fees for “training,” a “starter kit,” or “administrative procedures.” In other cases, the scammer simply wants to gather your personal data—address, phone number, work experience, or even banking details. Everything is designed to take advantage of your hope, urgency, or need to quickly find a job.
Warning signs to watch for
If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Promises of high salaries with little to no experience required, very flexible hours, no interviews, or recruiters who only communicate via text—these should raise immediate concerns. A legitimate company follows a clear and structured hiring process, with professional communication.
Verify the company’s credibility
Before applying, take time to do some simple but effective research. Be wary of company names that resemble well-known brands with subtle spelling changes or slight modifications.
- Check if the company has a professional website.
- Look for reviews on Glassdoor or recent press coverage.
- Confirm if the business is registered officially.
- Be mindful of spelling mistakes or suspicious language.
Pay attention to suspicious emails
If a recruiter contacts you from a Gmail, Hotmail, or Outlook address, it’s usually a bad sign. Reputable companies typically use professional domains. Some scammers even mimic legitimate email addresses by changing a single letter—for example, contact@micros0ft.com instead of microsoft.com. These small details make a big difference.
Never pay to get a job
This is a critical rule. No legitimate company will ever ask you to pay to get hired. If you’re being asked to transfer money to validate your application, receive materials, or attend training, it’s likely a scam. Even for international roles, serious employers generally cover recruitment costs themselves.
Take your time
Rushing is a classic scam tactic. Scammers push you to act fast—to sign a contract, send documents, or transfer money “before tonight.” In contrast, a real hiring process takes time: interviews, reflection, mutual validation. A serious employer will never pressure you to make a quick decision.
Carefully review LinkedIn profiles
Some scammers create fake LinkedIn accounts. Here’s what to check:
- How long the account has existed
- Number of connections, quality of posts, and interactions
- Run a reverse image search on the profile picture—if it’s from a stock site or used elsewhere, it’s a fake profile
Use a VPN to stay safe online
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) helps protect your identity and personal data while browsing job sites. It masks your IP address and limits data collection from external sources. In general, avoid clicking suspicious links or sharing personal information unless the source is verified.
Ask questions when in doubt
Not sure if it’s legitimate? Ask for a video call. A trustworthy recruiter will be transparent and willing to speak directly. A scammer, on the other hand, will often be vague or try to avoid live interaction.
Ask questions like:
- What exactly is the role about?
- What tools are used in this position?
- Who is on the team?
What to do if you’ve been scammed?
Act quickly. Here’s what to do:
- Change your passwords immediately
- Contact your bank if you’ve shared sensitive information
- Report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- Inform the platform where you found the job posting (LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.)
- Warn people around you to help prevent other victims
Conclusion: Better safe than sorry
Job hunting is already a demanding process. Getting scammed makes it even more unfair. But with the right instincts and a bit of caution, you can spot most fake job offers. Do your research, ask questions, take your time—and remember: the right job will never ask for a bank transfer to hire you.