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Too good to be true? Job scams are on the rise as the finance, IT and healthcare sectors become prime targets

Umito November 3, 2024

A new report de Heimdal revealed that job seekers around the world are targets of scams exploiting individuals seeking employment in sectors such as finance, IT and healthcare.

Based on an analysis of more than 2,670 social media posts and comments from victims in 2023 and 2024, the report highlights common tactics used by fraudsters, the industries most affected and the emotional toll these scams take on their victims.

The finance and IT sectors are the most targeted by employment scams, with 35.45% and 30.43% of cases reported respectively, with the healthcare sector accounting for 15.41% of incidents.

These industries, particularly those offering remote positions, have become prime targets for fraudsters, the report said, with almost half (43%) of posts linked to scams involving remote jobs, compared to 42% for on-site positions and 15% for hybrid positions. positions.

High-value roles, such as managers and entry-level candidates, are also heavily targeted as 35% of scams are directed against managers, while 34% target entry-level candidates. job seekers. These positions are particularly attractive to fraudsters due to the volume of applicants and the lure of potentially lucrative job offers.

Several tactics are commonly used by fraudsters to defraud unsuspecting victims, but suspicious contact information is the most common red flag, accounting for 41.1% of cases. Unrealistic salary offers (25.7%) and misleading job descriptions (10.6%) are also used to lure victims.

E-mail is the method most used by fraudsters to reach their targets, responsible for 30.75% of cases, followed by social networks (20.19%) and websites (19.79%). The convenience of digital communication platforms has made it possible for fraudsters to pose as legitimate businesses and deceive job seekers.

The report also highlights several warning signs that job seekers should be aware of to avoid falling prey to scams. Requests for upfront payments, cited in 25.08% of cases, are a common tactic used by fraudsters. Phishing attempts (18.81%) and requests for confidential information (17.49%) also signal potential fraud. Additionally, missing an interview process (15.84%) or receiving a job offer without applying (12.21%) are major red flags. Additionally, poorly written job descriptions, often containing spelling mistakes or inconsistencies, are another sign of a potential scam. These descriptions, present in 10.56% of cases, may indicate a lack of professionalism and authenticity.

Beyond the financial damage, employment scams leave a heavy emotional toll on victims. The report shows that 35.29% of victims reported distress, 23.53% felt anxiety and 9.41% felt anger. Victims often feel ashamed and question their worth as candidates, especially after facing multiple rejections in their job search. Many victims also feel a deep sense of injustice, believing that regulators and law enforcement are not adequately equipped to protect them. This lack of closure can lead to lasting emotional scars that linger long after the scam.

To avoid falling for job scams, checking company reviews and verifying company information are crucial steps, with 26.96% and 22.87% of victims citing them as useful strategies. It is also recommended to consult trusted friends and verify email domains to ensure job postings are legitimate.

“It’s clear that job platforms are struggling to keep up with the growing number of scammers,” said Valentin Rusu, Principal Machine Learning Engineer at Heimdal Security.

“That’s why job seekers need to adopt a cybersecurity-first mindset.—approach every email and job offer with caution. Check email domains, check company websites, read reviews, and consult trusted friends before proceeding. And most importantly, never give out personal information unless you are absolutely sure of the legitimacy of the company..”, » added Rusu.