4 ways to spot a fake job posting on LinkedIn

Over 61 million people use LinkedIn to find new jobs each week, according to the platform’s internal data. But even one of the most reputable job search platforms isn’t safe from scams — and it’s up to job seekers to learn how to apply with caution. 

In 2022, LinkedIn blocked 16.4 million accounts they suspected of being scammers, and restricted an additional 5.4 million as a proactive measure before they had even been reported by users. Another 190,000 accounts were wiped from the site after LinkedIn users officially flagged them. 

To job search safely, applicants will need to learn to decipher what’s real and what could potentially be a scam. That requires becoming familiar with a few common red flags. 

Read more: Looking for a new job? Here are 5 scams to look out for

“Exercising caution and verifying job postings are essential steps in finding legitimate employment opportunities in today’s digital landscape,” Trevor Cooke, a privacy expert with tech insights platform Earthweb, said in a release. “By staying informed and taking proactive measures, job seekers can navigate the job market safely and avoid falling victim to these insidious scams.”

A successful job scam can cost an applicant up to $8,700 in fees gathered from fake applications, training courses or screenings that falsely guarantee employment, according to research conducted by tech services company Surfshark. Victims lost a record high of $277 million on fake job offers in 2023 — a threefold increase compared to 2019. 

From unrealistic job descriptions to suspicious company profiles, Cooke emphasizes the importance of exercising extreme caution when engaging with job posts, especially on platforms where they’ve previously felt safe. He suggested strategies like conducting thorough research and cross-referencing job postings to maintain online safety. Here’s what to be on the lookout for: