Identifying a Scam Job Posting 

Most employers are legitimate, but scams do exist. Learning to identify red flags protects you from fraud, identity theft, and losing money. Here’s what to watch for. 

Job scams are a real and growing problem. As many as 30% of job postings are fake. Learning red flags and taking verification steps is essential to protecting yourself and your identity.  

Financial requests: 

  • The employer asks you to pay upfront for the job, training, credentials, background check, or “processing fee” 
  • You’re told you need to buy equipment or materials to start the job, or you’re given a stipend to buy equipment and you haven’t even interviewed 
  • There often show up as requests to wire money, use gift cards, or transfer funds 

Requests for sensitive information: 

  • You’re asked for your bank account, routing number, or checking account details 
  • Requests for social security number, passport number, or driver’s license before an offer is made 
  • Credit card information is requested before any official hire 

Unrealistic promises: 

  • “No experience necessary” 
  • “Earn money fast” 
  • “Work from home for $5,000/week” 
  • “Get paid to test products” 
  • Compensation that’s significantly higher than the market rate for the role 

Unprofessional communication: 

  • Poor grammar and spelling in emails and postings 
  • Vague job descriptions or confusing details about what the role entails 
  • Generic messaging that could apply to any job 
  • Email addresses that don’t match the company’s official domain (e.g., gmail instead of company.com) 

Process red flags: 

  • No formal interview—just “You’re hired!” 
  • You’re offered the job immediately without background checks or verification 
  • Communication only through text, WhatsApp, or encrypted messaging (not official company email) 
  • No phone number or physical office address for the company 

Step 1: Research independently 

  • Go directly to the company’s official website (don’t use links from the posting) 
  • Search “[Company name] + careers” or “[Company name] + jobs” 
  • Look for the posting on the company’s official careers page 

Step 2: Check for red flags 

  • Google “[Company name] + scam” or “[Company name] + reviews” to see if it’s known to be fraudulent 
  • Look at Glassdoor reviews to see if current or former employees mention anything suspicious 

Step 3: Verify the company contact 

  • Find the main phone number on the company’s official website (not from the job posting) 
  • Call the main line and ask if the position exists and if the person who contacted you works there 
  • Ask for the hiring manager’s direct number or email on the company’s official domain 

Step 4: Trust your instincts 

  • If something feels off, it probably is 
  • Legitimate companies have professional communication, formal interviews, and clear hiring processes 
  • If you’re unsure, don’t proceed 

How to Get Started 

  1. Before engaging with any posting, check the company’s official website and verify the job exists there 
  1. Google the company name plus “scam” or “reviews” to see if there are known issues 
  1. Call the company’s main phone number (from their official website) to confirm the position and the person who contacted you 
  1. Never provide financial information, bank details, or sensitive personal data before a formal offer is made 
  1. If you’re unsure about a posting, contact Career Design before responding 

How We Can Help 

Drop in or set up an appointment with a Career Counselor to: 

  • Verify a posting you’re unsure about 
  • Discuss how to probe for authenticity 
  • Research the company 
  • Identify red flags you may have missed 
  • Report scams so we can protect other students 

Questions? 

Reach out to Career Design at huskycareers@northeastern.edu or visit the Career Studio for additional guidance.