How to spot a job scam
Job scams target people who are keen to work. They're getting harder to spot. Here are the signs to watch for and what to check before you apply.
Red flags
Real employers never charge for applications, training, equipment, visas or "registration". Any fee up front is the clearest sign of a scam.
"Earn $5,000 a week from home, no experience needed" is bait. Compare the pay with similar roles on trusted job boards.
Don't share bank details, passport or ID copies, or your NRIC/SSN before a verified written offer and a real interview.
Interviews held only over WhatsApp, Telegram or text, with no video call or office visit, are a common scam pattern.
"Limited slots, reply in 1 hour" is meant to stop you from thinking. Real hiring takes days or weeks.
No clear duties, no company name, or a company you can't find online (website, LinkedIn page, registered address).
Recruiters using @gmail.com or @outlook.com instead of a company domain, or a domain that's slightly misspelt.
Reshipping parcels, receiving money into your account, buying gift cards or "liking" products for pay are scams, and sometimes illegal.
Quick checks before you apply
- Search the company name plus "scam" or "reviews".
- Find the job on the company's own careers page.
- Check the recruiter's LinkedIn profile: real photo, history, connections at the company.
- Ask for a video interview and a written offer on company letterhead.
- Never move money for an employer, and never pay to get hired.
Think you've been targeted?
Stop replying and don't send money or documents. If you've shared bank details, call your bank straight away. Report it to the job site where you found the post. In Singapore, call the ScamShield helpline on 1799 or report at scamshield.gov.sg. Elsewhere, contact your local police or national fraud reporting service.
GetInterviewed flags suspicious posts automatically, but no check is perfect. Always trust your judgement.