Fake recruiters and job scam bots
A great remote job, found you, no interview needed. Here is how to tell a real recruiter from a scam, which is often run by bots.
Warning signs
- They found you with a job you didn't apply for, often by text or WhatsApp.
- Pay that's too good for simple tasks: "rate products", "like videos", "data entry".
- An interview by chat only, on Telegram or a messaging app, with fast, polished, scripted replies.
- A personal email address, or a company domain that's slightly off.
- You have to pay: for training, equipment, a "starter fee", or to unlock your earnings.
- A cheque to deposit, then send part of the money back or on to "a supplier".
- Pressure: "positions fill today", "keep this confidential".
Check before you share anything
- Find the job on the company's own careers page.
- Look the recruiter up: a real profile has history, connections and colleagues at that company.
- Ask for a video call. Real recruiters say yes.
- Don't send ID, bank details or your national ID number until you've verified the company and have a real offer.
If it's a scam
Stop replying, report the profile on the platform, and in the US report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If you sent money or details, contact your bank straight away.
Questions
Do real companies use AI in hiring?
Yes, often for scheduling and first screens. The difference is that a real employer never asks you to pay, and can be verified on their own website.
Is a job I found on a big job site safe?
Usually, but scam listings get through. Apply the same checks, especially if you are moved off the site to a chat app.