Editor’s note: This article also includes an affiliate link where I would receive a commission.

Scammers create fake job postings, especially for remote “bridge jobs,” to steal resumes and personal information from vulnerable job seekers. We discussed common red flags, such as vague job descriptions, ghost recruiters, and recently registered domains.

Jay Jones and I hit a variety of LinkedIn job scam topics in this short but value-filled episode.

If you’re looking for baseline tips to stay job scam-free on LinkedIn, this episode is for you.

Jay explains how scammers also impersonate career coaches and resume writers, hijack legitimate profiles, and even lease real LinkedIn accounts to appear credible.

We talk about LinkedIn’s efforts to combat scams, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and personal responsibility.

We share real-world consequences, including financial loss and even forced labor, and urge listeners to report suspicious activity, verify recruiters, and protect their online presence.

The Scale of Job Scams

* Jay shares recent findings: thousands of fake jobs and profiles

* Discussion of how scammers target job seekers, especially those looking for “bridge jobs” (data entry, customer service, remote work)

* How scammers steal resumes and use them for further scams

Red Flags and Warning Signs

* Most common signs of fake jobs: boilerplate/vague descriptions, recently registered domains, ghost recruiters

* Importance of pausing and verifying before applying

* Affiliate marketing abuse: fake jobs leading to survey sites for profit

Scams Targeting Career Services

* Rise in fake career coaches and resume writers

* Scammers steal real professionals’ profiles and undercut prices

* Real-world examples: fake websites impersonating legitimate coaches

Protecting Your Brand and Online Presence

* Jay’s work in helping professionals protect their brands

* Tactics scammers use: hacking websites, hijacking established profiles

* Importance of monitoring your online presence and reporting suspicious activity

LinkedIn’s Response and Limitations

* Discussion of LinkedIn’s new verification for recruiters and hiring officials

* Concerns about existing fake accounts and hijacked profiles

* The “Open to Work” banner: benefits and risks, how scammers target those displaying it

Account Leasing and Hijacking

* How scammers lease or buy real LinkedIn accounts to appear legitimate

* Dangers of giving up account credentials

Reporting and Responding to Scams

* Always report suspicious activity, but don’t engage with scammers

* Risks of clicking unsubscribe or links in scam emails

Long-Term Vigilance

* Scammers constantly adapt; ongoing vigilance is necessary

* The role of AI in new scam tactics

* Empowering job seekers: vet recruiters, do research, trust your instincts

Real-World Consequences

* Stories of people being kidnapped or forced into scam operations

* Global scale: scam “farms” in various countries

Resources and Where to Find More

* Jay’s website: jonesdoucopy.com

* LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jonesbluecopy

* Mark’s Substack: markanthonydyson.substack.com

Closing Thoughts

* Final advice: clarify, verify, but don’t just apply

* Stay vigilant and scam-free

Finally…

I wanted to ensure that the companies I partner with for 'The Job Scam Report' were a good fit. The FBI reports Americans are losing significantly more to cybercrime than home burglaries, with digital crime financial losses reaching approximately $12.5 billion in 2023 alone.

Job search strategy and safety should be top of mind for all job seekers.

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