How Not to Get Hired by a Scam

The tactics may differ, but the aim is identical: to grab your personal info, your trust, and eventually, your money.

What’s new with job scams in 2025?

Here are some of the latest trends you should know about:

1. AI-generated recruiters & fake interviews
   Scammers are creating convincing LinkedIn profiles and using AI to sound like real recruiters. Some even use deepfake videos for fake interviews.
   
   
2. “Get paid for simple tasks” scams
   These start with small, easy jobs- like liking a video or clicking links. You get paid at first. Then they ask for deposits or fees. That’s when the trap snaps shut.
   
   
3. Job offers via text, WhatsApp, or social media
   If someone you don’t know messages you about a job, especially with big promises, treat it with caution. Real recruiters don’t usually recruit this way.
   
   
4. Fake listings on legit job platforms
   Even trusted websites can host scam ads. These may lead to phishing links or ask for money for training or application fees.
   
   
5. Internship scams targeting students
   Students eager for experience are being charged “registration” or “training” fees for internships that don’t actually exist.
   

How to Protect Yourself

• Always research the company
  Look up their website, social media, and reviews. See if the job is also posted on their official careers page.
  
  
• Never pay upfront
  No legit employer will ask for payment to process your application, send you a laptop, or start training.
  
  
• Verify who you're talking to
  Real recruiters use company emails, not free services like Gmail or Yahoo.
  
  
• Trust your instincts
  If something feels rushed, too good to be true, or unclear- pause and investigate before you share any personal info.

Job scams may be getting more advanced, but so are we. Staying aware of the warning signs puts you back in control. It’s okay to be cautious. In fact, it’s smart. Ask questions, take your time, and don’t let anyone pressure you into a decision.

And if you ever do fall for a scam, don’t let shame keep you quiet. Report it, learn from it, and help someone else avoid the same trap. The more we talk about these scams, the harder it gets for them to win.

How can Truecaller help? 

Truecaller offers more than just our renowned Caller ID and spam-blocking features; we provide a fortress against fraud. Our technology helps you identify unknown calls and messages, allowing you to block scam attempts proactively, by both calls and texts. 

At Truecaller we have made it our mission to build trust in communication. We do our best to help you navigate a world where fraud and unwanted communication are a part of your daily life. Stay updated about recent scams, and watch the latest YouTube videos on how you and the 450 million-strong community of people using Truecaller every month can stay protected. You'll find us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.