LinkedIn is a go-to platform for professionals looking for career opportunities. However, scammers exploit job seekers through fraudulent job postings that appear legitimate. A common tactic is the “Like, Comment #Interested” scam, where users are tricked into engaging with deceptive posts. In this article, we’ll uncover the 7 shocking reasons why these LinkedIn job posts are a scam, how they work, and how you can protect yourself.
How the LinkedIn Job Post Scam Works
Scammers create fake job posts using reputable company names like Deloitte, Google, or Microsoft to gain trust. They lure job seekers by posting phrases such as:
- “Deloitte is hiring! Like and comment #Interested to apply.”
- “Comment your email ID, and we will send the application link.”
These posts seem harmless but are dangerous traps designed to exploit unsuspecting job seekers. Here’s why these job posts are a massive scam:
7 Shocking Reasons These Job Posts Are a Scam
1. Artificial Engagement Manipulation
- These scammers request likes and comments to increase their post’s visibility on LinkedIn’s algorithm.
- Higher engagement means more people see their scam post, making it spread like wildfire.
2. Email Harvesting for Spam & Fraud
- When job seekers comment their email IDs, scammers collect them to build a database.
- These emails are sold to advertising firms, phishing scammers, and cybercriminals.
- This is why you often get unwanted marketing emails or potential phishing attempts.
3. Redirecting to Fake Job Portals
- Clicking on the provided “apply” link often redirects you to affiliate marketing sites, survey scams, or even malware-infested pages.
- These sites may steal your personal information or trick you into making payments.
4. Fake Job Offers Under Your Comments
- Once you engage with the post, scammers flood your comment with irrelevant and fake job offers.
- These are designed to manipulate desperate job seekers into engaging with even more fraudulent schemes.
5. No Official Company Website or Contact Information
- A legitimate job posting always includes an official website link and verified recruiter contact details.
- These scam posts, however, lack transparency and only rely on social media comments.
6. Unprofessional & Vague Job Descriptions
- Fake job posts often have grammatical errors, unclear job roles, and unrealistic salary offers.
- If a post lacks details like company address, job responsibilities, or recruiter credentials, it’s a red flag.
7. Personal Data Theft & Identity Fraud
- Some scams ask for your resume, phone number, and even ID proof, which they misuse.
- Identity fraud is a major risk, and cybercriminals can use your details for financial fraud.
How to Identify Fake Job Posts
To stay safe, look out for these warning signs:
- No official company website link.
- Generic, copy-pasted job descriptions.
- Requests for personal information in comments.
- Redirects to suspicious websites instead of official job portals.
- Recruiters with incomplete or newly created LinkedIn profiles.
How to Protect Yourself
- Cross-check job openings on the company’s official website.
- Reach out to the company’s HR team directly before applying.
- Avoid posting your email, phone number, or resume in public comments.
- If you spot a scam post, report it to LinkedIn to help protect other job seekers.
- Learn how to report fake job listings on LinkedIn’s Help Center (NoFollow link).
- Instead of applying through random social media posts, use trusted platforms such as:
- LinkedIn Jobs (DoFollow link)
- Indeed (DoFollow link)
- Glassdoor (DoFollow link)
- uLektz.com
- Use a separate email ID for job applications to minimize spam.
- Enable spam filters and never click on suspicious links from unknown senders.
Final Thoughts
LinkedIn job post scams are on the rise, but you don’t have to fall for them. By staying alert, verifying job offers, and reporting fraudulent posts, you can help make LinkedIn a safer platform for job seekers.
Next time you come across a suspicious job post, don’t just scroll past—report it! Awareness is the key to stopping scammers in their tracks.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed!
- How to Spot Fake Job Offers – A guide on identifying and avoiding fraudulent job listings.
- Best Job Search Strategies – Tips on finding legitimate job opportunities.
- Protecting Your Personal Data Online – Essential steps to keep your information safe.
- LinkedIn Official Job Listings – Apply for verified jobs directly. (DoFollow)
- Indeed – Search for legitimate job postings. (DoFollow)
- FTC Guide on Job Scams – Learn how to recognize and report job fraud. (NoFollow)
- LinkedIn Help Center – Report Fake Jobs – Steps to report scam job posts. (NoFollow)
