In today’s digital age, job hunting has become more accessible than ever through platforms like LinkedIn, JobStreet, and Indeed. However, this convenience also comes with a risk: the rise of job scams.

Job scams are fraudulent job offers designed to deceive genuine job seekers. This means that scammers may pose as recruiters or employers, offering fake positions to steal money or personal information. With these scams becoming increasingly advanced, how can you protect yourself? Here are some common red flags to look out for!

A genuine job offer will never ask you to pay to secure the position. If you’re asked for money upfront—whether it’s for registration, training, equipment, or even vague “processing” or “security” fees, that’s a major red flag.

Scammers can be very convincing. They’ll make the payment sound like a normal part of the hiring process, but remember: in legitimate job applications, it’s the company that invests in you, not the other way around.

If a job offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Scammers often lure job seekers with promises of unusually high salaries. To make the offer even more tempting, the job descriptions are often vague, with little information about what you’ll actually be doing or what qualifications you need. Some might even skip the interview process altogether or make hiring decisions suspiciously fast just to get you hooked before you can question it.

The best way to protect yourself is to stay informed. Always research the typical salary range, job expectations, and hiring processes in the industry you’re applying for. Check official company websites and trusted job platforms to see what’s normal. Remember, a genuine job offer will always come with a proper process and realistic terms.

Scammers may try to collect your personal information or move the conversation off official platforms to avoid detection. They often request sensitive details like your bank account number or IC number early in the process for identity theft, financial fraud, or other misuse.

Poor communication is another red flag. Look out for emails or messages filled with grammar mistakes, awkward phrasing, and unusual urgency. Scammers may pressure you to respond immediately, repeatedly call, or ask you to continue conversations outside trusted job platforms.

Be especially cautious if they send suspicious links, request downloads, or ask for personal information before a formal job offer is made.

Before getting too excited about a job offer, it’s worth taking a few minutes to do your own “background check” on the company. Scammers often hide behind fake company names or impersonate real ones with slight changes that can easily go unnoticed. One quick way to spot a fake is by checking the sender’s email address—legitimate companies usually use official domains (e.g., @companyname.com), not free or ones like @gmail.com or @yahoo.com.

Be sure to check if the company has a proper website, an active LinkedIn page, or a presence on platforms like Glassdoor. Keep an eye out for warning signs like no online footprint, reviews that mention scam experiences, or websites that seem hastily made or incomplete.

You can also verify company registration details through SSM e-Info and check employee or candidate reviews on Glassdoor to confirm if the organisation is legitimate.

Scammers prey on urgency and hope. While job hunting, always take your time, do thorough research, and trust your instincts. When in doubt, consult trusted career platforms or talk to someone you trust before proceeding.

Remember: If something feels off, it probably is.