Job Scam Awareness

Job Scams: How to Spot Fake Jobs and Protect Yourself 

Unfortunately, job scams are increasingly common. Scammers often target job seekers by advertising opportunities that don’t actually exist, taking advantage of urgency, financial stress, or excitement around finding work. Their goal is usually to collect money, personal information, or both—then disappear without a trace. 

Understanding how these scams work and knowing what to look out for can help you protect yourself and your personal information. 

What Are Job Scams? 

A job scam is any fake or misleading job opportunity designed to deceive job seekers. These scams often promise high pay, flexible hours, or “easy work” that sounds too good to be true. In some cases, scammers may even use the name or logo of a real company to appear legitimate, even though they are not actually affiliated with that employer. 

Some scams ask for payment upfront to “secure” a role, purchase training, or cover administrative fees. Others focus on collecting sensitive personal or financial information under the guise of onboarding or payroll setup. 

Common Red Flags to Watch Out For 

Being able to identify warning signs early can help you avoid falling victim to fraudulent jobs or employers. Here are some of the most common red flags: 

• You receive a job offer without applying or interviewing 

• You’re hired immediately with little to no screening 

• The compensation is unrealistic, such as very high pay for simple or minimal work 

• The pay is below minimum wage with no clear explanation 

• The employer offers cash-only payment, especially without a contract or written agreement 

• The job posting or messages contain frequent spelling or grammar mistakes 

• Communication feels unprofessional or generic 

• The recruiter uses personal email addresses (such as Gmail or Yahoo) instead of a company domain 

• You are asked to communicate only through WhatsApp, text messages, or direct messages 

• There is urgency or pressure to act quickly or “secure your spot” 

• You are asked to pay upfront fees, deposits, or purchase equipment before starting 

• You are asked for personal or financial information (such as social insurance numbers, bank details, or tax forms) before receiving a formal job offer 

• The company has no website, no social media presence, or very little online information 

Additional Warning Signs Many Job Seekers Miss 

Some scams are more subtle and harder to detect. Pay extra attention if you notice any of the following: 

• The job description is vague and doesn’t clearly explain responsibilities 

• The company avoids video calls or face-to-face interviews 

• The interviewer refuses to answer basic questions about the role or company 

• The job requires you to move money, receive packages, or transfer funds on behalf of the employer 

• The employer asks you to use your personal bank account for work-related payments 

• The company name changes slightly across emails, job postings, or documents 

• The job posting is copied word-for-word from another website 

• The recruiter claims the opportunity is “exclusive” or not publicly listed 

How to Protect Yourself Before Accepting a Job 

Before committing to any opportunity, take the time to verify that the job and employer are legitimate: 

• Research the company online 

• Visit the company’s official website 

• Verify contact details through trusted sources 

• Look for employee reviews or mentions on credible platforms 

• Confirm that job details match information on the company’s website 

• Be cautious of any request for money or sensitive information 

• Trust your instincts—if something feels off, pause and investigate 

A legitimate employer will never rush you, pressure you into payments, or ask for sensitive information before a formal offer and proper onboarding process. 

Reporting Suspicious Job Postings on Kibbi 

If you come across a job posting on Kibbi that looks suspicious or feels unsafe, please report it by clicking the “Report this Job” tab on the job posting. 

Reporting helps keep the platform safe for everyone in the community.  

Once a job is reported, it will be immediately hidden until a Kibbi team member completes a review. 

Stay Informed, Stay Safe 

Job searching can be stressful, and scammers rely on that stress to catch people off guard. Staying informed, cautious, and proactive can significantly reduce your risk. 

Take your time, verify before you apply or accept an offer, and remember: if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Your safety and security matter just as much as finding the right job.