Scammers copy real brands, create urgency and ask for money or personal details. A few quick checks will catch most of them.
Check the web address
Look at the address bar, not just the page.
- Is the spelling exact? Fake sites use small changes like extra letters, hyphens or numbers.
- Does it start with https and show a lock? A lock only means the connection is encrypted, not that the site is honest.
- Is the domain the company’s real one? “company-careers-apply.example” is not the same as the company’s official site.
- Type the address yourself or use a saved bookmark instead of clicking a link in a message.
Warning signs on a website
- Prices far below normal.
- Countdown timers and “only 2 left” pressure everywhere.
- No clear contact details, return policy or company address.
- Poor spelling and low-quality images.
- Payment only by bank transfer, gift cards or crypto to a personal account.
Check QR codes and links
A QR code can hide a bad link. Scan it and read the link before you open it. The QR code scanner reads a code from a picture and shows the text without opening it, so you can check the address first.
Job scam red flags
- You are asked to pay a registration, training, uniform or security fee.
- The job offer comes without an interview or on a chat app only.
- The salary is very high for simple work, such as typing at home or liking videos.
- The recruiter uses a free email address instead of a company one.
- You are asked to send ID documents, bank details or OTPs before any contract.
- You are asked to receive money into your account and send it onward.
A real employer does not charge you to give you a job.
How to verify an offer
- Find the company’s official site yourself and look for the job on its careers page.
- Contact the company through the phone number or email listed there.
- Search for the recruiter’s name and the company together with the word “scam” or “reviews”.
- Ask for a written offer letter and read it carefully.
- Talk to someone you trust before paying or sharing documents.
If you think you have been scammed
- Stop all contact and payments.
- Tell your bank straight away if money or card details are involved.
- Change passwords for any accounts you shared, and turn on two-factor authentication.
- Report it through your country’s official cybercrime or consumer complaint channel, and keep screenshots and receipts.
Protect your documents
Never send ID copies without a reason. When you must, mark them with the purpose using the watermark tool and remove hidden location data with remove EXIF data.