Hired or hustled? How to spot a job scam

The rise of social media, and dedicated platforms for job seekers, means we have the opportunity to apply for exciting employment opportunities all over the world. It’s now easier than ever to find your dream job, wherever the company may be located — and often, you can work remotely without ever stepping foot in an office.

But this new landscape is easily infiltrated by scammers who prey on unsuspecting job seekers, and their tactics are constantly evolving. Falling victim to a fraudster who pretends to be a potential employer — to steal your money or important personal info — is called a job scam. In this post, we'll explain what they look like, as well as what you can do to avoid becoming a victim.

What are job scams?

Job scams often come in the form of high-paying employment opportunities that require minimal effort when it comes to the application process, or the job itself. These can sound enticing, especially when even legitimate online job application processes often mean that you may never need to meet your employer in person. Scammers capitalise on this by posting fake job opportunities on social media and job boards, often targeting young professionals and freelancers.

How do they work?

• Fake job listings: scammers post enticing job ads that promise high earnings for little effort. Victims are often asked to pay an upfront fee for training materials, certifications, or application processing.
• Phishing for personal information: some scams aim to steal personal data. Applicants are asked to provide sensitive information like social security numbers or bank details under the disguise of background checks or payroll setup.
• Fake employer profiles: fraudsters create fake company pages on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook, posing as legitimate employers, to lure in applicants.

How do I protect myself?

• Research the employer. Verify the company’s legitimacy by checking its website, reviews, and official profiles. Be wary of businesses without an online presence.
• Never pay upfront. Legitimate employers never ask for payment as part of the hiring process.
• Guard your personal information. Share personal details only after thoroughly vetting the employer and securing a legitimate job offer.

Revolut's fraud safety checklist

Scammers thrive when you let your guard down — exploiting trust, enthusiasm, and urgency to target their fraud victims. Here’s how you can safeguard yourself against fraud with Revolut:

1. Stay sceptical and well-informed: be cautious of unsolicited messages, offers, or urgent requests for money or information. Keep yourself informed of common scams through sources like our fraud and scams hub.
2. Verify sources: double-check the legitimacy of profiles and details, and never take information at face value. To check if a Revolut offer or role is legitimate, check out our Revolut careers page.
3. Use secure platforms and act fast: whenever possible, use trusted platforms that offer protection against fraud. If you suspect that you've transferred money to a fraudster, report the scammer to Revolut and secure your account.
4. Report suspicious activity: if you encounter a fraudulent account or social media post, report it to the platform to protect others. If you suspect a scam that might compromise your financial information or accounts on Revolut, report it immediately.

While scammers will continue to adapt their tactics, staying informed and vigilant is your best defence. By recognising the common signs of job scams, you can land your dream job and catapult your career — without falling victim to a scammer.

Revolut also provides you with a host of security controls, proactive warnings, and in-app educational materials to keep you safe and informed in real time. Remember, when something feels off, go with your gut — let’s work together to keep fraudsters out of the loop.