Last year, employment scams saw a significant increase, as cybercriminals utilized AI (artificial intelligence) to trick jobseekers, while stealing their money and sensitive data. The Identity Theft Resource Center’s recent report found that consumer stories of job scams soared by 118 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year.
According to the report, employment scams were primarily carried out through websites, typically LinkedIn or job search platforms. The fake employers may ask job seekers to send them money or personal information, according to the report. The scammers may also claim that applicants must complete a paid training course or coaching services first to be eligible for their job opening.
Another scam is offering to reimburse job seekers for a computer and phone necessary for the job. After the person buys the accessories, the fake company sends a bad check that immediately lets the person know they’ve been scammed.
Many believe seniors are the target of these scams, but government research found that younger consumers fall victim to identity crimes more frequently. Of the victims who were willing to share their age range, the vast majority (62 percent) fall within a range from 25 to 64 years of age.
The Identity Theft Resource Center has received the highest number of reports of identity crimes from victims who self-identified as White (60 percent), followed by Black or African American (15 percent) and Hispanic or Latino, or Spanish origin of any race (14 percent).
According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losing $367 million to job and business opportunity scams in 2022, up 76 percent year over year. The typical victim lost $2,000, in pursuit of a job.
The report highlighted several scam scenarios. “Victim reached out and said that he had fallen victim to a job scam. The victim said that he was attempting to apply for a job online. He said he spoke to people he didn’t feel comfortable with, so he decided to look them up and found out that they used other people’s images. The victim said he gave them his SSN, Driver’s License picture, and address.”
In another example, a victim explained, “I had a potential employer get me in for a virtual interview, and I gave them my name, address and a photo of my I.D. Once the interview was over, I did some digging, and it looks like the company is a scam.”
LinkedIn, where many scammers set up shop, is working to foil the internet thieves. According to its recent community report, the company blocked more than 63 million fake accounts during the second half of 2023. The site also removed more than 108 million pieces of spam and scam content over the same period, per the report.
The job site is “committed to ensuring the platform remains authentic, secure, and easy to use for members,” said Oscar Rodriguez, LinkedIn’s vice president of trust product management, in a statement.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, here are ways to spot and avoid phony job postings:
• Verify job openings before you apply. Visit the official website for the organization or company you’re applying for. Most include a “career opportunities” or “jobs” section.
• See what others are saying. Look up the name of the company along with words like “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.” The results may include the experiences of others who’ve lost money.
Never deposit a check from someone you don’t know. An honest employer will never send you a check and then tell you to send them part of the money.
—Nisa Islam Muhammad, Staff Writer
