In today’s digital world, applying for jobs has never been easier — and unfortunately, neither has scamming job seekers. As recruiting professionals, we’ve seen firsthand how frustrating and discouraging it can be to navigate through fake job listings, phishing emails or too-good-to-be-true offers. While job boards and social platforms are doing their best to crack down on scams, it’s still important for job seekers to stay vigilant and protect themselves.
Here are some key tips to help you spot and avoid scam job posts:
Check if the Company Is Verified on LinkedIn
One quick way to add a layer of credibility to your search: Look up the company on LinkedIn. Verified companies will have a checkmark next to their name, indicating LinkedIn has confirmed their authenticity. While not all legitimate companies are verified (especially smaller businesses), it’s a solid starting point. Be cautious if the company doesn’t have a LinkedIn presence at all, or if their page doesn’t have any information.
Look at Their Website and Social Media Presence
A legitimate company should have a professional website with a matching domain email address — not a Gmail or Yahoo account. Browse their website for signs of a real operation: clear service descriptions, team bios, contact information and recent updates. Then, check their social media platforms. Active and consistent posts on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram are good indicators the business is real and engaged.
Speak to a Real Person
If a job offer or recruiter reaches out to you and everything is done via email or messaging, ask for a phone or video call. Legitimate recruiters will never hesitate to have a real conversation. Recruiters first point of contact should be a phone call and a good recruiter will take the time to discuss the role, company and next steps. If the person on the other end dodges a phone call or insists on text-only communication, that’s a big red flag.
Verify the Recruiter’s LinkedIn Profile
If you’re talking wtih a recruiter vs an employer directly, recruiters should have an active LinkedIn presence with a detailed work history, profile photo and recent activity. Be wary of profiles that are newly created, lack connections or have vague job descriptions. You can also check to see if they are affiliated with the staffing agency or company they claim to represent.
Be Cautious with Personal Information
A legitimate job application may require a resume and basic contact details, but never provide personal information like your social security number, banking info or consent to a full background check before a job offer. Scammers often try to collect personal data early — don’t fall for it.
Trust Your Gut and Do a Quick Google Search
If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut! Job titles that sound too vague or flashy, grammar and spelling mistakes in the job description or an offer that comes immediately after applying — these are all signs to slow down. A quick Google search of the job title or company with keywords like “scam” or “fraud” can often reveal helpful information from others who’ve encountered the same post.
Scam job posts are more common than many people realize, even on legitimate platforms, but with a little research and caution, you can protect yourself.
At TekCom Resources, we work hard to maintain trust and transparency with job seekers. That’s why we’re proud to be verified on LinkedIn and committed to real human conversations — not just automated messages.
