Fake job offers on WhatsApp: How to spot and avoid scams

Scammers posing as recruiters lure potential victims with promises of lucrative positions at popular companies, such as TikTok, which require little or no experience. People who express interest in such jobs are asked to transfer a small amount of money to an account provided by the scammers. After the initial payment is made, the criminals start demanding personal information and further transfers, explaining that it is necessary to purchase appropriate work equipment or conduct training.

Among the fake offers, ads might also promise relatively high salaries for performing simple tasks, such as watching short videos or "liking" posts. Victims who fall for these promises may provide their data to the scammers but will not receive the promised job.

Frauds involving fake job offers are common worldwide, although they may be more intense in some regions. Such attacks often happen just after a major data breach in a particular country. Cybercriminals likely use sets of phone numbers purchased from illegal sources or previously acquired during an attack.

In 2022, such an incident occurred when the data of nearly 500 million WhatsApp users fell into the hands of scammers. John Shier, Technology Director at Sophos, notes that criminals have access to many databases of phone numbers obtained in this way, which increases the likelihood of receiving a fake job offer.

Many signals indicating an attempt at fraud are similar to those characteristic of phishing messages. "The information about a fake job offer is aimed at evoking emotions in its recipient and prompting a potential victim to act quickly, including providing personal data or upfront payments. Job offers are often suspiciously attractive, promising well-paid remote work and related benefits or a flexible schedule. Cybercriminals also tempt victims by not requiring experience for the given position while very rarely including details about the scope of responsibilities in their job offers," explains John Shier.

To protect your data from falling into the wrong hands, first and foremost, do not click on links contained in any received "job offer." John Shier explains, "If someone claiming to be a recruiter says they represent a company or agency, it is worth finding the entity's phone number or website and checking if the ad is genuine. Remember that companies looking for employees are unlikely to contact candidates via messengers. The exception is LinkedIn, where it is relatively easy to verify if the offer is genuine."

Similarly to phishing attacks, any suspicious message (not just on WhatsApp) should raise alertness, and all actions should be taken with common sense. If an offer seems too good to be true, it most likely is a scam.