Phishing for Your Future: Spotting Fake Job Offers & Protecting Yourself Online

Did you know that the F5 Labs Phishing and Fraud Report noted that 55% of phishing websites use targeted brand names to try and collect sensitive data? Scams like these—where fake job offers are sent via email or other platforms—are categorized as impersonation attacks. This is a phishing attempt where cyber attackers impersonate a legitimate sender to trick the recipient into providing personal information. Companies must continuously monitor IT systems and social media channels to stop the unauthorized use of their brand quickly and do their part in stopping fraudulent activity.

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, companies face various scenarios, which serve as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of cybersecurity threats facing businesses across industries of varying sizes. These events highlight cybercriminals' sophisticated and evolving tactics against corporate entities and unsuspecting individuals. They also underscore the importance of remaining vigilant and taking proactive measures to safeguard digital identities and sensitive information.

Let’s take a minute to talk about what we can learn from these types of events as we explore five ways job seekers can spot a fraudulent offer and protect their data against malicious cyber actors.

1. Verify the Authenticity of the Recruiter & Company
   Research the company and the individual representing it before engaging with a recruiter or applying for a job. Look for a legitimate website, verify contact information, find a public job opening that correlates with the offer, and read reviews from other candidates. If you have any doubts or suspicions, trust your instincts, and report them directly to the company.

2. Be Wary of Unsolicited Job Offers
   Unsolicited job offers from unfamiliar companies or recruiters can appear on popular career websites or job boards. Hackers often use fake job postings or emails to entice unsuspecting candidates to apply. Take the time to verify the offer's legitimacy before sharing any of your personal information or documents.

3. Identify Warning Signs in Communication
   Pay attention to the language and tone used in recruiter communications. Look for poor grammar, spelling errors, and unusual requests for personal information or payment. Legitimate recruiters will communicate professionally and respect your privacy.

4. Protect Your Personal Data at All Costs
   Guard sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or copies of official identification documents, with caution. Valid employers will only request such information during the later stages of the hiring process through secure channels. Only share your information with someone if you are confident in the legitimacy of the recruiter and company.

5. Report Any Suspicious Activity
   If you encounter a suspicious job posting or recruiter, report it immediately to the relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission and Federal Bureau of Investigation’s IC3. By reporting scams, you protect yourself and contribute to making the job market safer for others. Take the opportunity to learn from the experience and educate yourself on how to spot and avoid similar scams in the future.

When it comes to cybersecurity, it's better to be proactive than reactive. Together, we can make our digital world safer and more secure for everyone.

For more information on Dignari’s guidance on limiting these fraudulent activities, visit Dignari’s Recruitment Fraud Alert page.