A fabricated job posting designed to harvest applicant data or funnel victims into a scam.
Fake listings clone real roles or invent attractive remote positions, then either collect personal data through the “application” or move successful “hires” into a fee or task scam. They appear on legitimate boards, social media, and spoofed career sites.
Cross-check any posting against the employer's official careers page before applying.
Red flags
- Listing not found on the company's official careers site
- Vague description with an unusually high salary
- Application requests SSN or bank details up front
Deep-dive guide
Identity Theft Job Scams: When the 'Job' Is Really After Your Documents
Frequently asked questions
Do scam listings appear on real job boards?
Yes. Fraudulent postings regularly slip onto reputable job boards and social platforms. Always confirm a role exists on the employer's own careers page and apply there when possible.