A new report from Heimdal has revealed that job seekers around the world are being targeted by scams that exploit job seekers in sectors such as finance, information technology and healthcare.
Based on an analysis of more than 2,670 social media posts and comments from victims in 2023 and 2024, the report highlights common tactics used by scammers, the industries most affected, and the emotional toll these scams take on their victims.
The financial and IT sectors are the most affected by employment scams, with 35.45% and 30.43% of reported cases, respectively, and the healthcare sector accounts for 15.41% of incidents.
These industries, especially those offering remote positions, have become prime targets for scammers, the report found, and nearly half (43%) of scam-related posts involved remote jobs, compared to 42% of in-person positions and 15% of hybrids. positions.
High-value roles, such as managers and entry-level candidates, are also a major target, with 35% of scams targeting managers, while 34% target entry-level job seekers. These positions are particularly attractive to scammers due to the volume of candidates and the lure of potentially lucrative job offers.
Scammers often use various tactics to defraud unsuspecting victims, but suspicious contact information is the most common red flag, accounting for 41.1% of cases. Unrealistic salary offers (25.7%) and misleading job descriptions (10.6%) are also used to lure victims.
Email is the most popular method scammers use to reach their targets, responsible for 30.75% of cases, followed by social media (20.19%) and websites (19.79%). The convenience of digital communication platforms has made it easier for scammers to pose as legitimate companies and deceive job seekers.
The report also outlines several warning signs that job seekers should be aware of to avoid falling into scam traps. Requests for advance payments, cited in 25.08% of cases, are a common tactic used by scammers. Phishing attempts (18.81%) and requests for sensitive information (17.49%) also indicate possible fraud. Additionally, the lack of an interview process (15.84%) or receiving a job offer without applying (12.21%) are major red flags. Additionally, poorly written job descriptions, which often contain spelling errors or inconsistencies, are another sign of a potential scam. These descriptions, present in 10.56% of cases, may indicate a lack of professionalism and authenticity.
Beyond the financial damage, employment scams leave a lasting emotional toll on victims. The report shows that 35.29% of victims reported distress, 23.53% experienced anxiety and 9.41% felt anger. Victims often feel embarrassed and question their value as candidates, especially after facing multiple rejections in their job search. Many victims also feel a deep sense of injustice, believing that regulatory agencies and law enforcement are not adequately equipped to protect them. This lack of closure can lead to lingering emotional scars that linger long after the scam.
To avoid falling for job scams, checking company reviews and verifying company information are crucial steps, and 26.96% and 22.87% of victims cite them as helpful strategies. Additionally, it is recommended to consult trusted friends and verify email domains to ensure that job offers are legitimate.
“It's clear that job platforms are struggling to keep up with the growing number of scammers.” said Valentin Rusu, lead machine learning engineer at Heimdal Security.
“That's why job seekers must adopt a mindset that prioritizes cybersecurity—Approach every email and job offer with caution. Check email domains, check company websites, read reviews, and consult with trusted friends before proceeding. And most importantly, never reveal personal information unless you are absolutely sure of the company's legitimacy..”, Rusu added.
