The Illusion of Opportunity: Job Scams and the Exploitation of Vulnerable Job Seekers
- Human Rights Research Center
- Jun 3
- 7 min read
Author: Nandhini Devaraj, MS
June 3, 2025
Could This Happen to You?
You never expect to fall for a scam until you almost do. At the time, I thought I was too careful and too educated to be fooled. But sometimes, hope clouds your judgement, and, when the right amount of urgency slips in, no one is immune.
I was lucky to have caught on before it was too late. Others aren’t so fortunate. These scams are happening every minute, and what’s scary is how real they look and how many people fall for it.
How Do Job Scammers Operate?
At first glance, scammers don’t seem suspicious at all. A lot of them actually come off as extremely professional until you start noticing the red flags. Here’s what I’ve seen and experienced so far.
Too Good to Be True: Fake Job Postings That Seem Legit
Some scam job listings on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and similar sites often look so realistic, complete with professional descriptions and recognizable company names. They lure candidates with high salaries, flexible schedules, and minimal requirements, only to trap them.
August 2024: I came across a listing on LinkedIn that looked completely real. It had the company’s logo, a detailed job description, and even links to a legit-looking website with real employees. I applied and within 24 hours I got an offer to join the company. They urged me to start immediately without any references, background checks or any other process that usually companies follow. They just provided an offer letter and onboarding documents. I wanted to believe it, but something about how fast it moved made me hesitate, and my gut told me something wasn’t quite not right, so I decided to drop it.
The Price of Opportunity: Scams That Ask You to Pay First
Victims are often told they need to pay for background checks, training materials, or equipment costs to finalize their employment. According to a 2024 BBB study, employment scam reports remained the second most common scam type in 2024 in the U.S., making up about 14% of all reported scams. Employment scams had a median $1,500 U.S. dollar loss.
One of the biggest red flags is when a recruiter asks you to send money, whatever form it may be.
May 2024: I was told I’d receive a $2,000 deposit for work equipment during the onboarding process, and then later, I was supposed to forward $500 to a “vendor”. It didn’t feel right, and I’m glad I followed that instinct.
Later that same day, I saw a post on the company’s LinkedIn page warning others about scammers impersonating their company. That could’ve been a huge loss, not just financially, but emotionally too.
Your Identity for Sale: Phishing Scams
Employers may request sensitive documents like Social Security numbers, banking details, and government-issued IDs, citing payroll, background checks or onboarding protocols. According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), in 2023, over 16,000 job seekers reported identity theft linked to job scams.
April 2024: During an interview, the hiring manager asked for my visa details, which is fairly common usually to understand the logistics of sponsorship after making an offer. They also asked for my current address, which didn’t seem unusual at first since companies often inquire about relocation support or other formalities. Then came passport information, as it was the only official ID I had at the time.
The reality is that I can’t be considered for a job without disclosing all of these details. It's just part of the process when you're an international student. But that’s also what makes it so risky.
The same week, I was invited to an in-person interview in an office location three hours away, with only a few hours’ notice. They instructed me to bring my passport and other documents. Something about it didn't feel right, and I trusted my gut. Looking back, I’m so glad I didn’t go.
Remote Scams: Bouncing Checks and Empty Promises
Remote job scams target individuals seeking flexibility. Fraudsters often send fake checks, ask victims to deposit them, and request a portion of the funds to be sent back to the “supplier.” The checks later bounce, leaving victims with overdraft fees and no job.
What Can Governments Do About It?
Right now, it feels like we’re on our own when it comes to spotting these scams. The laws that exist don’t fully address how job scams work in today’s digital world.
The fight against job scams requires coordinated efforts from policymakers, enforcement agencies, and private sector partners. Here’s what’s being done and what more is needed:
Federal Laws and the Need for Updates
Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act (18 U.S.C. § 1028): This law currently criminalizes identity theft but not employment fraud-related issues. Expanding the scope of this legislation could enhance protections for job seekers targeted by scams.
Fraud and Related Activity in Connection with Computers Act (18 U.S.C. § 1030): This could be revised to include provisions targeting fraudulent job postings and deceptive recruitment practices, which are increasingly prevalent in today’s job market.
Establishing a Victims’ Compensation Fund would provide essential financial assistance to individuals who have suffered losses due to employment-related fraud.
Holding Job Platforms Accountable
The U.S. Department of Labor should implement stricter verification procedures for employers posting opportunities online. This would ensure that only legitimate organizations are allowed to advertise jobs, reducing the risk of fraud.
Creating a centralized, government-managed database of verified employers would also give job seekers a trustworthy resource to confirm whether a job posting is authentic.
Requiring employers to use domain-based emails (e.g., @company.com) rather than any other communication form would cut down on scammers impersonating reputable employers.
Protecting International Job Seekers
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) should create a fraud prevention division focused on protecting non-citizens from employment scams.
Expanding protections under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) would provide crucial legal support for international workers who fall victim to these schemes.
As an international student, I realize how vulnerable we are in these situations. The lack of legal support makes it even harder to recover from fraud, which emphasizes the need for targeted policies.
Why Are Job Scams a Human Rights Issue?
At their core, job scams are violations of human rights that undermine economic security, labor protections, and individual dignity.
Economic Exploitation and Inequality
Fraudulent schemes directly violate Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees the right to just and favorable working conditions.
Scammers often target people who are already struggling financially, taking advantage of their desperation. Job scams deepen existing economic inequalities by stealing what little victims may have.
Forced Labor Risks
Fraudulent recruitment often leads to forced labor and human trafficking, violating the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that fraudulent job offers are a leading cause of forced labor globally, impacting nearly 25 million people.
The Emotional Cost
Victims of job scams often experience mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and loss of confidence.
The stigma of being scammed often prevents individuals from seeking help, speaking out which further affects them.
It’s just not about money. The worst part is how it messes with your trust. You start doubting every opportunity after that.
How Can You Stay Safe?
Job scams are sophisticated, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself:
Verify Employers: Always cross-check company information through official websites, try to find the LinkedIn profile of whoever is in contact, and see if all the details match.
Be Wary of Payments: Legitimate employers will never ask you to pay in any form for onboarding or equipment.
Look for Red Flags: Generic email domains, rushed processes, and unrealistic promises are major warning signs.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, don’t proceed without thorough research.
The Fight Against Job Scams: A Call to Action
I used to feel ashamed that I almost got scammed. But the truth is, the shame belongs to those exploiting others. Job scams aren’t just financial crimes, they're systemic violations that threaten people’s dignity, safety, and stability.We need stronger protections, more accountability, and honest conversations. I’m telling my story because I don’t want anyone else to fall for the same thing. If it happened to you, you’re not alone. And if it hasn’t, stay informed, and it could make all the difference.
Glossary:
Background check - A review of a person's education, work history, and sometimes criminal record, usually done before offering a job.
BBB (Better Business Bureau) - A nonprofit organization that helps consumers find trustworthy businesses and warns about scams. (Full form: Better Business Bureau)
Desperation - A state of hopelessness that causes someone to act rashly or take risky chances.
Domain-based email - An email address that uses a company’s official website name (like @company.com) instead of free services like Gmail or Yahoo.
Fake check scam - A fraud where someone sends a fake check and asks the victim to send money before the check clears.
Forced labor - Work that people are made to do against their will, often under threat or punishment.
Fraud - The crime of lying or cheating to get money or other benefits unfairly.
Human trafficking - The illegal trade of people, typically for the purposes of forced labor or exploitation.
IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) - A website operated by the FBI where people can report online crimes like scams and fraud. (Full form: Internet Crime Complaint Center)
Identity theft - When someone uses another person’s private information, like a Social Security number, without permission to commit fraud.
Impersonating - Pretending to be someone else to trick or deceive others.
Job posting - A notice announcing that a company is hiring for a job, usually including details about the role.
LinkedIn- A professional website where people can network, build connections, and search for jobs.
Onboarding- The process a new employee goes through when starting a job, including paperwork, orientation, and training.
Payroll- The system a business uses to pay employees their salaries or wages.
Phishing-A trick used by scammers to get people to give away personal information by pretending to be a trusted person or company.
Red flags-Signs that something might be wrong, suspicious, or dangerous.
Scam- A dishonest plan meant to trick people and take their money or information.
Scammer-A person who tricks others to steal money, personal details, or valuables.
Social Security number (SSN)- A nine-digit number used by the U.S. government to track individuals for work and taxes. (Full form: Social Security Number)
Stigma- A feeling of shame or disapproval attached to something unfairly.
Trust your instincts- To believe and act based on your natural feeling that something is right or wrong.
Urgency- A feeling that something must be done quickly without delay.
USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) - A U.S. government agency that manages immigration and citizenship processes. (Full form: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services)
Victims’ Compensation Fund - A program that gives money to help people who have been hurt by crimes or scams.
