#jobscams — Public Fediverse posts

North Korea Exploits Job Seekers to Infect 30,000 Devices

North Korean hackers have compromised over 30,000 devices by posing as recruiters, targeting unsuspecting job seekers with a clever ruse that steals sensitive information and cryptocurrency. By exploiting stolen IDs, these cybercriminals can impersonate victims and generate foreign currency, ultimately funding the regime.

https://osintsights.com/north-korea-exploits-job-seekers-to-infect-30000-devices?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social

#NorthKorea #Waterplum #JobScams #CredentialHarvesting #CryptocurrencyTheft

The DoRaleigh Scam Report Popular Scams and How to Avoid Them

Scammers are becoming more convincing, using artificial intelligence, caller ID spoofing, social media, text messages, fake websites, and emotional pressure to steal money and personal information.

In 2025, consumers submitted approximately 3 million fraud reports and reported losing $15.9 billion, according to the Federal Trade Commission⁠. Imposter scams alone accounted for $3.5 billion in reported losses.

Raleigh and Triangle residents can reduce their risk by learning the warning signs of today’s most common scams.

1. Government and Business Imposter Scams

A caller, email, or text may claim to come from the IRS, Social Security Administration, Federal Trade Commission, police department, bank, utility company, or another trusted organization.

Scammers often say that your account has been compromised, you owe money, or you face arrest unless you act immediately. They may even manipulate caller ID or send official-looking documents.

How to avoid imposter scams

• Do not trust caller ID alone.
• Hang up and contact the organization using its official website or published phone number.
• Never move money to “protect” it.
• Government agencies will not demand payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, gold, or cash delivered to a courier.
• Do not provide account passwords, PINs, verification codes, or Social Security numbers after an unexpected contact.

The FTC advises consumers never to transfer money, cryptocurrency, or gold after an unsolicited call or message. Anyone directing you to move money for its protection is attempting a scam. Read more from the FTC’s imposter scam guide⁠.

2. Phishing Emails and Text-Message Scams

Phishing messages imitate banks, delivery companies, toll agencies, streaming services, employers, and government offices. Common messages claim that a package is delayed, a toll remains unpaid, an account will be closed, or suspicious activity requires immediate attention.

The included link may lead to a fake website designed to steal login credentials, banking information, or credit-card numbers. The FBI explains that these sites can closely resemble legitimate financial or commercial websites. Learn about phishing and spoofing from the FBI⁠.

How to avoid phishing scams

• Do not click links in unexpected emails or text messages.
• Open the company’s official app or type its website address directly into your browser.
• Inspect email addresses carefully for misspellings or unusual domains.
• Never share a login verification code with someone who contacts you.
• Delete messages that demand immediate payment or personal information.

3. Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams

Investment scammers promise guaranteed returns, exclusive opportunities, or profits with little or no risk. Some build relationships through social media or dating apps before recommending a fraudulent cryptocurrency platform.

A fake account dashboard may appear to show growing profits, but victims are later told to pay additional fees or taxes before withdrawing their money.

How to avoid investment scams

• Be skeptical of guaranteed or unusually high returns.
• Research the investment professional and company independently.
• Do not invest based solely on advice from someone you met online.
• Never send cryptocurrency to “unlock” earnings or protect an account.
• Avoid opportunities that pressure you to act before conducting research.

The FBI warns that no legitimate investment can guarantee a return. Review the FBI’s investment fraud guidance⁠.

4. Romance Scams

Romance scammers create fake profiles on dating apps and social media, quickly building trust and emotional connections. They frequently avoid meeting in person while claiming to work overseas, serve in the military, travel extensively, or face a personal emergency.

Eventually, the scammer requests money for travel, medical care, legal problems, business expenses, or an investment.

How to avoid romance scams

• Be cautious when an online relationship develops unusually quickly.
• Conduct a reverse-image search on profile photographs.
• Discuss the relationship with a trusted friend or family member.
• Never send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or banking information to someone you have not met.
• Stop communicating when someone repeatedly avoids video calls or in-person meetings.

The FBI’s romance scam guidance⁠ explains how criminals use fake identities and emotional manipulation to gain trust before asking for money.

5. Job and “Task” Scams

Job scammers pose as recruiters offering remote positions with high salaries, flexible schedules, and little experience required. They may conduct interviews through text messages, send fake checks for equipment, or require applicants to pay for training.

Task scams promise commissions for completing simple online activities. Victims may initially receive a small payment before being required to deposit larger amounts or purchase cryptocurrency.

How to avoid job scams

• Verify openings on the employer’s official careers page.
• Research the recruiter’s name, email address, and company.
• Be suspicious of interviews conducted entirely through messaging apps.
• Never pay for a job or send money to begin working.
• Do not deposit a check and forward part of the money to another person.
• Never use your personal bank account to transfer money for an employer.

6. Tech-Support Scams

A pop-up, phone call, or email may claim that your computer has a virus or your account has been hacked. The scammer may request remote access to your device, install unwanted software, or demand payment for unnecessary repairs.

How to avoid tech-support scams

• Do not call numbers displayed in unexpected security pop-ups.
• Never give remote access to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
• Contact the device manufacturer or software provider directly.
• Close the browser or restart the device if a suspicious pop-up will not disappear.
• Never pay for technical support with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a wire transfer.

The FTC’s tech-support scam guide⁠ notes that scammers prefer payment methods that are difficult to reverse.

7. Online Shopping, Marketplace and Rental Scams

Scammers advertise nonexistent products, pets, concert tickets, vehicles, apartments, and vacation rentals. Prices are often significantly lower than comparable listings, and the seller may demand a deposit before allowing an inspection.

How to avoid marketplace and rental scams

• Search the seller’s name, phone number, and listing photographs.
• Compare the price with similar listings.
• Inspect property or merchandise before paying whenever possible.
• Use the platform’s approved payment system and buyer protections.
• Avoid sellers demanding gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment outside the platform.
• Never pay a rental deposit before verifying the property and owner.

8. Family Emergency and Grandparent Scams

A caller may pretend to be a child, grandchild, lawyer, police officer, or hospital employee. Some scammers use artificial intelligence to imitate a loved one’s voice.

The caller claims there has been an accident, arrest, kidnapping, or medical emergency and insists that the situation remain secret.

How to avoid family emergency scams

• Hang up and call the family member directly.
• Contact another relative to verify the story.
• Create a private family verification word.
• Ask a question that a stranger could not answer from social media.
• Never send cash to a courier or pay through gift cards or cryptocurrency.

9. Prize, Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams

Scammers tell victims they have won money, a vacation, or another prize—but must first pay taxes, processing costs, or delivery fees.

How to avoid prize scams

• Remember that legitimate sweepstakes do not require payment to receive a prize.
• Do not provide banking or Social Security information.
• Be suspicious if you did not enter the contest.
• Never deposit a check and return a portion of the funds.
• Ignore demands for gift-card or cryptocurrency payments.

10. Payment-App and Gift-Card Scams

Payment apps are designed to send money quickly, which can make recovery difficult. Scammers may impersonate a bank employee, buyer, seller, friend, or relative and ask for an immediate transfer.

Gift cards are another major warning sign. No legitimate government agency or business will require gift cards as payment. The FTC’s gift-card scam guidance⁠ advises consumers never to share a gift-card number or PIN with an unexpected caller.

How to avoid payment scams

• Confirm payment requests directly with the person involved.
• Review the recipient’s name before sending money.
• Never return an alleged accidental payment by starting a new transaction.
• Do not share gift-card numbers, PINs, or photographs.
• Stop when someone dictates exactly how and where you must pay.

Major Scam Warning Signs

Stop communicating when someone:

• Creates a sudden emergency
• Pressures you to act immediately
• Demands secrecy
• Requests gift cards, cryptocurrency, gold, cash, or a wire transfer
• Promises guaranteed profits
• Asks for passwords, PINs, or verification codes
• Tells you to move money for its protection
• Refuses to let you independently verify the story

What to Do If You Have Been Scammed

Act quickly, but do not feel embarrassed. Scammers are trained to manipulate emotions and create believable situations.

1. Contact your bank, credit union, card issuer, payment app, or gift-card company immediately.
2. Ask whether the transaction can be stopped, recalled, or disputed.
3. Change compromised passwords and enable multifactor authentication.
4. Save emails, text messages, receipts, usernames, phone numbers, and transaction records.
5. Report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission⁠.
6. Report internet-enabled fraud to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center⁠.
7. Use IdentityTheft.gov⁠ for a personalized recovery plan if personal information was stolen.
8. File a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Justice⁠ or call 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.
9. Contact local law enforcement if money was stolen or you are being threatened.

Protect Your Accounts Before a Scam Happens

Use a unique password for every important account, turn on automatic software updates, and enable multifactor authentication for email, banking, social media, and payment accounts. CISA recommends MFA because it adds another identity check beyond a password and makes unauthorized access more difficult. Learn more from CISA⁠.

Most importantly, pause before responding. A few minutes spent verifying a message can prevent significant financial loss. If you need help in Raleigh contact BTDesigns.pro

Follow DoRaleigh.com for more Triangle consumer alerts, public-safety information, community resources, and local news.

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Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |

FYI: Gen Z loses money to job scams at 5 times the boomer rate, LinkedIn finds: Nine in ten reported scam messages push job seekers off LinkedIn, and over half land in the very first message. Does platform verification arrive early enough? https://ppc.land/gen-z-loses-money-to-job-scams-at-5-times-the-boomer-rate-linkedin-finds/ #GenZ #JobScams #LinkedIn #ScamAlert #FinanceTips

ICYMI: Gen Z loses money to job scams at 5 times the boomer rate, LinkedIn finds: Nine in ten reported scam messages push job seekers off LinkedIn, and over half land in the very first message. Does platform verification arrive early enough? https://ppc.land/gen-z-loses-money-to-job-scams-at-5-times-the-boomer-rate-linkedin-finds/ #GenZ #JobScams #LinkedIn #OnlineSafety #ScamAwareness

Gen Z loses money to job scams at 5 times the boomer rate, LinkedIn finds: Nine in ten reported scam messages push job seekers off LinkedIn, and over half land in the very first message. Does platform verification arrive early enough? https://ppc.land/gen-z-loses-money-to-job-scams-at-5-times-the-boomer-rate-linkedin-finds/ #GenZ #JobScams #LinkedIn #JobSeeker #ScamAwareness

What Is Job Trafficking? Signs, Risks, and How to Stay Safe

Discover what job trafficking is, how scammers exploit fake job offers, common warning signs, real risks, and essential safety tips to protect yourself and your loved ones.

#OwnPetz #JobTrafficking #HumanTrafficking #JobScams #WorkplaceSafety #CareerAdvice

https://ownpetz.com/blog/article/job-trafficking-signs-and-risks-b6498

https://www.europesays.com/africa/319167/ Three Kenyans held in Indonesia awaiting deportation as fake job scams continue to trap migrants #deportation #Headlines #HumanTrafficking #IllegalEmployment #Indonesia #JobScams #Kenya #KenyansAbroad #news #SoutheastAsia #ThreeKenyansHeldInIndonesiaAwaitingDeportationAsFakeJobScamsContinueToTrapMigrants

https://www.europesays.com/africa/318840/ Three Kenyans held in Indonesia awaiting deportation as fake job scams continue to trap migrants #deportation #Headlines #HumanTrafficking #IllegalEmployment #Indonesia #JobScams #Kenya #KenyansAbroad #news #SoutheastAsia #ThreeKenyansHeldInIndonesiaAwaitingDeportationAsFakeJobScamsContinueToTrapMigrants

Resume Expeditions: The AI Gambit Unravels

Companies like Parallel Distribution are using creative tests, like writing a frog poem, to identify AI applicants. This helps hiring managers avoid scams.

#AIinHiring, #JobScams, #RecruitmentTech, #FrogPoemTest, #HiringChallenges

https://newsletter.tf/companies-use-frog-poem-test-to-find-ai-applicants/

Companies are now asking job applicants to write a poem about a frog to check if they are AI. This is a new way to find real people for jobs.

#AIinHiring, #JobScams, #RecruitmentTech, #FrogPoemTest, #HiringChallenges
https://newsletter.tf/companies-use-frog-poem-test-to-find-ai-applicants/

These job scams are getting weirdly specific, like they build a “perfect” role just for you, even AI ones, then sneak in steps to get your money or data. It’s less about scamming cash and more about making you believe the story. Feels early, like fake work ecosystems forming, not just normal fraud.

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/apr/21/how-to-avoid-ai-online-job-recruitment-scams #jobscams

🚨 Fake biotech placement guarantees? Don't fall for it!
High fees, no jobs—BioResire builds real skills instead.
Join WhatsApp community: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb5u2Tp77qVTb1D7bu3r

#FakePlacements #BiotechScams #BiotechJobs #PlacementGuarantee #BioResire #BiotechTraining #IndiaBiotech #LifeSciences #BiotechCareers #JobScams #Biotechnology #ResearchSkills #StudentAlert #BiotechIndia #PharmaJobs #SkillBasedLearning #BiotechFraud #CareerAdvice #WhatsAppCommunity #LifeScienceJobs

https://restofworld.org/2025/linkedin-job-scams/

#LinkedIn #jobscams

South Korea, Cambodia Target Online Scams, Repatriate Suspects

#Cambodia #HunManet #jobscams #KimJina #SouthKorea
https://blazetrends.com/south-korea-cambodia-target-online-scams-repatriate-suspects/?fsp_sid=148773

About 80 Korean nationals missing due to job scams in Cambodia: officials

By
Vietnam News Agency
Tue, October 14, 2025 | 10:01 pm GMT+7 About 80 Koreans linked to…
#NewsBeep #News #Headlines #Cambodia #crimes #jobscams #Latvia #LV #missing #SouthKorea #Vietnam
https://www.newsbeep.com/185130/

Job Scams Are Rising Faster Than Ever!

In 2025, job scams have increased, losses have skyrocketed from $90 million in 2020 to over $501 million in 2024.

Nearly 1 in 3 adults now receives scam messages regularly, making it harder than ever to know who’s real.

WiseIN is taking a stand : We verify every user, ensuring only genuine job seekers and employers can connect.

Join the movement toward authenticity.
Visit www.wisein.in now

#WiseIN #JobScams #VerifiedConnections #ProfessionalNetwork

💥 New Go-Based Malware Targets Job Seekers: Vampire Bot

Researchers at Aryaka Threat Labs identify BatShadow, a Vietnamese threat actor, delivering Vampire Bot via fake job postings.

- Multi-stage infection chain using ZIP archives with PDF-masked executables
- Capabilities: data exfiltration, screenshots, remote commands
- Primary targets: job seekers and digital marketing professionals

💬 How can security teams mitigate these threats? Follow TechNadu for daily updates on emerging malware campaigns and threat intelligence.

#CyberSecurity #Malware #VampireBot #GoLang #ThreatIntel #InfoSec #JobScams #Phishing #TechNadu

Lloyds Bank issues warning of ‘manipulative’ new scam costing victims up to £5k | Personal Finance | Finance

Lloyds Bank has urged job seekers to stay alert after a staggering 237% rise in “advanced fee” job…
#NewsBeep #News #Business #advancedfeefraud #Employment #Fraud #GB #jobscams #LloydsBank #LloydsBanklatest #LloydsBanknews #LloydsBankscamwarning #lloydsbanktiktokreviewjobscam #lloydsbanktiktokscam #Scams #socialmediafraud #TikTok #UK #UnitedKingdom
https://www.newsbeep.com/uk/10408/

Watch out, job seekers! 🎯 Scammers are targeting people eager to work from home, promising big bucks for little effort. They just want your money or data. 🔍 How to dodge them: research the company, avoid upfront fees, and never give out personal info. Stay vigilant! 🚨 Be scam smart! Check out more tips here: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/06/how-avoid-work-home-job-scams #JobScams #WorkFromHome 💼📧

From 2024

1774 - thehardnewsdaily: Breaking: 250 Indians trapped … - disabled.social

Breaking: 250 Indians trapped by false employment schemes in Cambodia have been rescued by the Centre. A crucial intervention against exploitation. #RescueOperation #HumanRights #JobScams #Cambodia #India

https://disabled.social/@Thehardnewsda[email protected]/112186639981910629

Found via nottheonlyone.org as one of 10,400+ #DEI #Diversity, #Equity and #Inclusion items.

Layoffs and AI misuse are fueling a surge in job scams, targeting vulnerable job seekers. https://jpmellojr.blogspot.com/2025/04/ai-layoffs-fuel-rise-in-job-scams.html #JobScams #AIImpact #FraudAlert

🚨 Beware of the latest WhatsApp job scam! Fake job offers are targeting unsuspecting users, leading to data theft & legal trouble. Don’t fall for it—learn how to spot and avoid the scam with these tips. Stay safe! #WhatsApp #ScamAlert #CyberSecurity #JobScams

https://pupuweb.com/how-to-spot-and-avoid-the-latest-whatsapp-job-scam/

🔍 Advanced fee scams have evolved into fake job offers. Learn how to spot them and protect your data from scammers.

📖 Read more: https://www.fastmail.com/blog/the-evolution-of-the-advanced-fee-scam/

#CyberSecurity #JobScams #Fastmail

Jobseekers beware! 🚨 The FTC warns that fake job 'task' scams are costing victims millions, with over 20,000 complaints in just 6 months of 2024. 💸 These scams often ask for deposits to access paid work, leading to losses of $220 million! Don't get caught in the trap—stay vigilant! 🛑 Read more here: https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/fake-job-tasks-are-costing-victims-millions-ftc-warns #JobScams #FTC #StaySafe #newz

Job seekers beware: Scammers are targeting mobile devices with phishing campaigns disguised as job offers. https://jpmellojr.blogspot.com/2024/12/job-seekers-targeted-by-scammers-in.html #Phishing #MobileSecurity #JobScams #Zimperium

🚨 Beware of job offers that seem too good to be true! Scammers use fake listings to steal your data. Learn how to spot the red flags. 🛑 #JobScams #OnlineSafety #Cybersecurity

https://bdking71.wordpress.com/2024/11/26/beware-the-too-good-to-be-true-job-offers-how-scammers-use-fake-jobs-to-steal-your-data/

Scammers are increasingly using #AI tools to craft convincing fake job offers, conduct phony interviews, impersonate real companies.

For our #CyberSecMonth campaign, Olga Spillane, #Security Analyst at HEAnet, shares some strategies to detect and avoid AI-powered job scams: https://connect.geant.org/2024/10/14/chatbot-traps-how-to-avoid-job-scams

#CSM24 #JobScams #HR #CyberSecurityAwareness #chatbots #GenAI #phishing #recruiting #SocialEngineering #ECSM

Fake job scams are through the roof at the moment, for obvious reasons.

Not only do they suck because they are generally a terrible way to scam people who are having an especially hard time, but they also place employees of the impersonated companies at risk.

The Blue Team Diaries story, Recruit - is a tale about the impact of such a scam, based on real world events of course. You can find it on Kindle (Unlimted members download for free) and Audible. It's also part of the Blue Team Diaries paperback, which you can find at most places books are sold.

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Team-Diaries-Mike-Sheward-ebook/dp/B09PKPQRP6

#infosec #blueteam #scams #JobScams #cybersecurity

🚨ALERT!🚨 A job offer from Corsair on LinkedIn might NOT be what you think! 🕵️‍♂️ Unmasking the latest cyber scam targeting professionals. Be informed, stay safe! 🔐🖥️ #CybersecurityAwareness #JobScamExposed #cybersecurity #informationsecurity #infosec #jobscams #cybercrime

https://wp.me/peSvjo-4r

Tech (Global News): Got a freelance job offer on text? How to recognize a scam https://globalnews.ca/news/9925896/job-offer-fraud-canada-alert/ #globalnews #TechNews #Technology #CanadianAnti-FraudCentre #jobopportunityfraud #jobofferscanada #cryptocurrency #Unemployment #carwrapping #cryptoscams #Onlinescams #Cybercrime #EmailScams #textscams #Consumer #jobfraud #JobScams #Canada #Tech