LinkedIn Job Scams to Watch Out for in 2025

Job scams are on the rise, and they’ve caused serious damage to both job seekers and companies. The FTC reported that in just the first half of 2024, over 20,000 task-based scams cost nearly $220 million in losses.

Why LinkedIn Job Scams Matter to You

Platforms like LinkedIn feel safe and familiar, which makes it easier to trust a recruiter’s message. But scammers know how to exploit that trust. When hiring feels vague or rushed, candidates often walk away or even label the job offer a scam. 

That’s why it’s critical to understand how job scams work and what a trustworthy hiring process should look like for both job seekers and companies that want to manage job hiring overseas. 

How LinkedIn Job Scams Target Job Seekers

In March 2025, the Washington Post detailed a widespread fake transcriptionist job scam targeting federal job seekers. Applicants were contacted via email or LinkedIn messages falsely representing the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA), offering high pay (about 45$ USD per hour) and a 250 $USD training bonus, but requiring candidates to buy equipment and submit banking details early. 

This is just one type of job offer scam, exploiting seemingly safe federal job seekers using their need to find jobs in the event of unemployment. In recent years, the scams have been targeting people looking for legal remote jobs. Since much of the hiring process is done online, it’s much more difficult to assess a job offer without seeing the interviewer in person.

Common LinkedIn Job Scams to Look Out For in 2025

• Fake job postings: Scammers use AI to write convincing job descriptions that closely mimic real openings. Sometimes, even using real company names or creating new ones that sound legitimate. If a company looks “professional enough,” applicants often skip background checks and click the link.
• Fake recruiter profiles: These profiles typically include a polished headshot, “HR Specialist” or “Head Hunter” title, and a short but convincing work history. Most applicants wouldn’t think twice about their legitimacy.
• Phishing links in LinkedIn Messages or email: Links sent via LinkedIn messages or emails lead to fake portals or "job info" pages that will try to steal your private information. The links usually come from seemingly professional profiles. Once trust is built, clicking feels natural.
• Early request for identity documents: Mostly associated with remote job offerings. The key here is the timing and the type of legal document you are being asked to provide. Anything too private, like bank details or official ID, before signing a contract should be avoided.
• Pay-to-apply or training fees: This targets part-time job seekers or remote freelancers. Scammers ask for a small “training fee” or “equipment deposit” to start work, knowing that less formal roles are more likely to bypass scrutiny.
• Offers that are too good to be true: These scams promise instant onboarding, no interviews, and easy money. Even without huge salary promises, the idea of “effortless access” can be a powerful trap for those who are in urgent need.

Why These Scams Work: Human Psychology at Play

Today’s job scams aren’t obvious to the naked eye. They rely on timing, psychology, and tailored messaging. Scammers build a complete ecosystem that includes fake websites, polished job posts, and convincing recruiter profiles just to gain your trust.

And to our surprise?

It works!

Whether it's breaking into a promising industry, landing a new role that will propel your career, or joining an exciting startup, scammers know what kind of opportunities people want - better pay, more flexible hours, and faster career advancement. 

The truth is, with a nudge at the right time, anyone can become vulnerable and fall into the job scam trap.

10 Red Flags You Should Never Ignore 

Here are ten warning signs for you to stay alert when considering a job offer on LinkedIn:

1. Vague job descriptions: If the contractor job scope is unclear and full of buzzwords, that’s a warning sign. Real employers include details about responsibilities, team structure, or expectations. You can always compare the job description with your past experiences to see if it feels off. 
2. Asking for money up front: Legitimate companies will never ask you to pay for an interview, training, equipment, or onboarding costs before signing a contract. 
3. No company website or shady email domain: Watch for emails sent from free services like Gmail or Outlook, or those without a company domain. Also, beware of emails without a professional signature. While not always a scam, most legitimate recruiters usually include job titles and contact information.
4. No interview or even basic Q&A session: If you're offered a job without a call, questions, or even a quick conversation with the hiring manager, that’s also a warning sign. Unless it’s a one-day gig like supporting an event as a temporary worker, otherwise, when a company hires someone, there’s usually a process to explain the details and next steps.
5. Recruiter doesn’t exist (or barely does) on LinkedIn: A legitimate recruiter usually has a complete LinkedIn profile, visible experience, and regular interactions with others. If their profile is almost empty, take extra steps to verify their identity.

6. Early requests for personal information: Be wary of early requests for personal data like a passport, ID, or bank details. Many scams advertise attractive job hiring overseas and that the country where the company is located requires foreign applicants’ information for compliance purposes. We recommend requesting a video conferencing call and double checking the labor laws before giving out any personal information.
7. Overly aggressive or calling repeatedly: If someone keeps calling or pressuring you to accept quickly, that's a red flag. Legitimate employers are usually respectful and patient with the hiring process. 
8. Offers that pay above market average: If the salary is far above market average for your experience level, or the role seems too flexible and easy for the pay, we recommend you slow down and take some time to verify. 
9. All communication feels generic: If every message feels copy-pasted or impersonal, it might be a scam. Be cautious of generic language, free email addresses, and poor formatting.
10. The hiring process feels overly simple or rushed: Real companies usually have a process even for contract roles. If things move too fast with no clear steps, documentation, or points of contact, treat it as a red flag.

How Companies Can Avoid Being Mistaken as Scams

We have covered job scams from the perspective of job seekers at length. However, it's not just job seekers who need to be careful. Companies, especially those that want to expand job hiring overseas in different markets, are facing a new challenge: proving that you are real. This happens to smaller organizations or companies that don’t have a global presence quite often as they are reaching out to potential candidates.  

To avoid being mistaken for a scam, employers must build a trustworthy remote or global hiring experience from the get-go, which includes: 

• Having an active LinkedIn company page and a professional company website.
• Having consistent branding & messaging across platforms. 
• Using company domain emails, not personal accounts.
• Clearly explaining the legal hiring process and obligations.
• Issuing official contracts that reference applicable local labor laws.

Hiring foreign talent can also be tricky. Take the U.S. Social Security compliance program as an example. Companies need to ensure foreign talent has legal work permits, whether they are U.S. citizens, and take privacy measures towards personal information. Failing to make the correct classifications of employee type and paying incorrect social contributions can lead to potential monetary and legal penalties. 

To alleviate the burden and avoid violating local regulations, many companies now work with Employer of Record (EOR) solution providers like Slasify to create a structured and transparent onboarding experience. This not only reassures candidates but also protects companies from legal risks associated with unauthorized cross-border hiring. Hiring globally through a certified Employer of Record (EOR) partner essentially tells your candidates that you are serious about the role. 

How Slasify Helps with Overseas Job Hiring & Compliance

Job scams hurt both the job seekers and the employers. When a legitimate offer looks suspicious or when a recruiter’s message feels off, you risk letting great candidates walk away. This is why having a hiring process that’s clear, compliant, and trustworthy is essential for companies looking to establish a presence in any given market - this is where Slasify comes in.

By acting as a fully compliant and trusted Employer of Record (EOR), Slasify helps global companies reduce risk, simplify operations, and build trust you are managing job hiring overseas through our most used services by customers worldwide:

• Fully compliant Employer of Record (EOR) services: Manage contracts, tax, and employee contributions in line with local labor laws.
• No need for local entities: Support legal hiring in new markets without setting up overseas subsidiaries to reduce administrative costs.
• Seamless onboarding: Handle documentation, compliance, and HR coordination all in one platform.
• Quick response to regulatory changes: Stay compliant as local laws evolve without needing to search for answers yourself, as a dedicated account manager will guide you through the onboarding process and answer any question along the way. 
• Global payroll done right: Process payroll in 150+ countries and in 130+ currencies, including taxes and contributions.

Build a Compliant & Seamless Hiring Experience 

Job scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using human psychology and technologies as tools to target job seekers on trusted platforms like LinkedIn. For job seekers, it’s easy to let your guard down when everything looks professional. That’s exactly what scammers count on.

But scams don’t just hurt candidates. Employers also risk losing trust and top talent when their hiring process feels vague or unstructured. A rushed message or unclear contract can be all it takes for someone to make untrue assumptions about your company and brand, failing to make progress in hiring. 

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

1. What Should I Check in a LinkedIn Profile Before Responding to a Recruiter?

Look for a complete work history, regular activity or posts, and real connections. Legitimate recruiters usually have visible engagement and detailed experience listed.

2. How can I Avoid Being Targeted by Scammers on LinkedIn?

Do not share personal info publicly or respond to suspicious job messages. Try to stay away from offers that pay above market average, are tasked-based, and don’t require a proper interview process.

3. How can I Verify a Job Posting on LinkedIn?

Confirm that the job is also listed on the company’s official site. Check the recruiter’s name and look for other employees from the company active on LinkedIn.

4. What Should I Do If I Have Already Shared my Personal Info with a Suspicious Recruiter?

Stop all communications immediately. Report the profile on LinkedIn. If you’ve already shared sensitive information like your ID or bank details, notify your bank and consider contacting local authorities for identity protection steps.

5. Is It Safer to Apply Through LinkedIn or the Company’s Official Website?

Some companies might use the “quick apply” feature on LinkedIn. But It’s always safer to apply through the company’s official website when possible. This minimizes the chances of you clicking on suspicious links and being exposed to targeted scams. 

6. What Should I Do if a Recruiter Asks Me for Personal or Banking Details?

Don’t share anything like your passport, address, or Social Security Number (U.S.). Legit employers only request that after a signed offer.

7. How can I Verify Whether an Overseas Company and Recruiter are Legitimate?

Search business registration or public company databases. Check the company’s social presence. Schedule a video call with the recruiter to confirm identity before proceeding with any exchange.

8. Should I Expect a Live Call Before or During the Hiring Process, and What Should I Confirm on It?

Yes. Real jobs typically involve at least one video or voice call. If everything happens over email or text, that’s suspicious.

9. What Warning Signs Should I Look for in Job Ads that Might be Scams?

Be alert to fake recruiter profiles, generic-looking job postings, urgent hiring pressure, phishing links, or early requests for documents and payments. These match the scam types outlined in this article.

10. What should I Do if a Recruiter Asks Me to Pay Upfront Fees?

DO NOT pay. Just like nowadays, banks won’t ask you to wire money directly even if you’re late for payment. Legit companies never charge candidates to apply or start a job. If you’re asked to do so, we recommend reporting it to the platform and stopping communications. 

About Slasify

Founded in 2016 in Taiwan and now headquartered in Singapore, Slasify began with a vision. We saw the rapid expansion of businesses outpacing traditional work models. Inspired by the rise of the internet and the growing demand for flexibility, our founders created Slasify to bridge the gap between global businesses and remote talent. What started as a small team with a big dream has grown into a global powerhouse. Today, Slasify serves over 150 countries and operates in 130 currencies, empowering businesses to expand without borders. Read more!