Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.
Let’s say you applied for a job and are now sitting down for a first-round interview. You start, and somewhere around the middle of the interview, something feels a bit off.
Is it just nerves, or are you smack dab in the middle of a job scam?
In order to protect yourself against job scams when you’re actively job searching, you first need to familiarize yourself with common signs of a fake interview.
Once you understand what to look out for, alarm bells should ring loud and clear during your interview, indicating that an “opportunity” is not legitimate.
Always trust your gut. If something seems off, it probably is. But along with your gut, there are some other signals that you can watch for to identify job interview scams.
1. Lack of Information About the Company
A recruiter contacts you on Facebook to fill a position with a top company in your field. Great! You’re excited that you chose to follow your dream companies on social media.
So, when it comes time for the job interview, you excitedly ask what company you’re interviewing with — and your interviewer won’t tell you. The reason is that the “recruiter” fears that you’ll contact the company directly, and they’ll lose you.
As a job seeker, you have every right to know the employer’s name, the hiring manager’s name, when the company is looking to fill the position, and what the interviewer’s relationship is to the company.
You’re probably walking into a fake interview if someone refuses to provide basic company information.
2. Nonexistent Information About the Recruiter
Sophisticated scammers often create personas that don’t stand up to scrutiny. Exercise caution if a recruiter lacks a digital footprint or can’t be found on professional platforms, such as LinkedIn.
As part of the interview process, research the recruiter to see where you can connect or share common interests.
Even if the recruiter is willing to chat with you via video, that’s not a guarantee they’re legit. FaceTime scams are abundant in the modern job market. But thanks to your research, you can verify any claimed credentials or experiences.
If the recruiter has no traceable history, they’re probably not who they claim to be, and you could end up a victim of recruitment fraud if you proceed with the interview.
3. Contact Information Doesn’t Align With the Company
Are you curious about how to know a fake interview invitation from a real one? Before accepting an interview, check that the company’s official contact details match the phone numbers, addresses, and email domains.
Look closely at the invitation you received so you can note if, for instance, one letter is different in the email domain.
Feel free to do your detective work by contacting the company directly to verify the details provided by the recruiter. If they don’t have anyone there by that name, it’s time to report them to the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker and cut off contact.
You can also get a lot of information by searching for other victims online. For example, if you search, “Is a Jobot instant interview legit?” you’ll hear firsthand from other job seekers who have dealt with the same concerns.
4. Vague Job Descriptions
Be wary of vague or generic job postings that don’t provide precise details about the role requirements or responsibilities. Scammers often use alluring job titles and descriptions to hook unsuspecting applicants.
However, those job descriptions fall apart upon closer inspection. Legitimate job descriptions have specific details outlined by the hiring manager and HR department to find the right candidate.
If a job posting seems too good to be true or is too vague, take some time to research the company and see if it’s real. A quick internet search can reveal any red flags or concerns about the legitimacy of the company and its job postings.
5. Unexpected Interview Invitations
A sudden interview invitation without a prior application or a last-minute change in the interview process is a red flag. Legitimate companies have a standardized method to ensure they’re legally following hiring standards.
Actively protecting your information is even more of a concern when you receive an interview invitation through unusual channels. Did you get a text interview request out of the blue? You might be a victim of one of the Signal app job scams.
Or, were you asked to download a messaging app like Telegram? Before long, you’re in the middle of a Telegram job interview scam.
The fake company sends you a check to fund your home office, then tells you they overpaid and you need to return some. Warning bells go off, and you start researching, “Do companies use Telegram for interviews?”
But that’s a better question to ask before starting the process. Do your research and check with organizations like the Better Business Bureau to verify a company’s legitimacy before proceeding with a potentially fake interview.
Remember, declining or asking for more information is OK if something seems suspicious.
6. Unprofessional Communication
Poor grammar, misspelled words, or informal emails are signs of potential scam artists. Professional recruiters or hiring managers will communicate with precision and formality.
One misplaced punctuation mark isn’t cause for concern, but blatant and repeated errors or grammar that doesn’t quite make sense is a red flag. It’s best to end contact and report the individual or company.
Your time is valuable, so don’t waste it on potential work-from-home job scams.
7. The Interviewer Is Incredibly Agreeable
An overly eager interviewer who seems to gloss over your qualifications might be fast-tracking a scam. Genuine employers are keen to find the right fit and will engage in critical discussions about your experience.
If an interviewer agrees with everything you say without asking any follow-up questions, it’s a warning sign.
Stay cautious, and don’t provide any personal information until you’ve thoroughly vetted the company and the individual conducting the interview. Your safety should always come first.
8. Inconsistencies in the Interview Process
If details change throughout the interview process — from the job description to interview times — it’s likely a scam. A professional hiring process is carefully orchestrated and consistent, with interview slots scheduled into the hiring manager’s or recruiter’s daily tasks.
Life happens, kids get sick, and one unplanned change shouldn’t cause you to worry. However, ensure you take a step back and analyze everything when there are multiple inconsistencies throughout the interview process.
At best, it could be a signal of an unorganized company or a toxic work culture. More likely, it’s a scammer trying to throw you off.
Either way, you’re better off turning down the job offer and moving on to a more professional and legitimate company.
9. Unusual Interview Methods
You’ve applied for a remote job, and the company is based in another state or country — if it even has a physical office. So, it makes sense that you wouldn’t trek to the office for an in-person interview. After all, video interviews are common in the world of remote work.
But if you’re invited to interview on a questionable platform and find yourself searching “Is RingCentral legit?” then you’ve already got a feeling that this is a recruiter scam.
Most legitimate remote companies will interview you via phone or video. When you’re asked for text or chat interviews, acknowledge that it’s not professional.
Companies might conduct initial interactions through professional chat portals, like Slack or LinkedIn Messenger, but beware of other platforms or entire interview processes conducted via text or messaging apps.
Even if the interview invitation is on a legitimate platform, verify the company. Zoom interview scams, for example, are conducted on a well-known platform, so you may let your guard down — but you shouldn’t.
10. Requests for Payment
At no point should an employer request payment from you. Financial requests are a major red flag and always indicate a job interview scam. Legitimate employers will never ask for money as part of the hiring process.
If you encounter a payment request, immediately sever communication and report the incident to the appropriate authorities.
If you need to pay for a particular certification, like a food handler’s permit, that will come after you’ve been officially hired and should be obtainable through a third party.
Report fake job interviews and the website where you saw the job posting to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
11. Requests for Personal Information
A request for sensitive personal details (like your Social Security number or driver’s license number) before a job offer is an alarm bell.
Legitimate employers will only need this information after a job offer. If an employer requests this information early on, it’s likely a scam.
When you need to complete a background check, it’s generally during the final stages of the hiring process or after receiving a job offer. A complete background check differs from the professional references and work history that companies verify.
Reputable employers generally work with a background verification company, rather than complete the work themselves. You should be able to vet the background check company as well.
12. Requests for Financial Information
Your financial history should only be required once you complete the onboarding paperwork and opt-in for direct deposit. Legitimate companies will not ask for payment or financial information during the application process.
The exception to that is a credit check when you’re working in fields such as finance or mortgage.
In that case, the credit check shouldn’t request specific banking information and should be processed through one of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.
You should never be in a position where you’re sharing bank accounts, credit cards, or debit card numbers. You can report those scams to your state’s attorneys general, along with the FTC.
13. Inadequate Interview Time
An interview that’s far too short to assess your qualifications might indicate a lack of genuine interest in your candidacy or a desire to rush you through a scam process.
A legitimate recruiter will take the time to get to know you, discuss your experience and qualifications, and answer any questions you may have.
Remember, you’re also interviewing the employer to ensure that the role is the best fit for you. If an interview feels rushed or incomplete, it’s likely not legitimate.
14. Promises of High Pay for Little Work
Be cautious of job postings or offers advertising high pay for little work.
While it’s natural to want a high-paying job, it’s important to remember that legitimate companies will compensate employees based on the value, skills, and experience they bring. If the pay seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Take the time to research salaries before you start the interview process. Even if it’s a legitimate company, you want to be prepared if the hiring manager asks about salary expectations early in the interview process.
When you’re offered a higher salary range than expected, ask yourself if that aligns with the job’s market value. If not, it’s most likely a scam.
15. Bad Online Reviews of the Interview Process
Researching a company’s online reputation can provide valuable insight into its hiring process. If you come across multiple negative reviews from previous interviewees, it’s a red flag that the company isn’t reputable.
A legitimate company will treat candidates respectfully and professionally during the interview process.
Note specific complaints about the interview process, such as unprofessional or disrespectful behavior from the interviewer or unclear and misleading job descriptions. If these issues are mentioned repeatedly, proceeding cautiously or considering other job opportunities is best.
16. Your Interviewer Avoids Your Questions
Pay attention to how your interview questions are received.
Part of any legitimate interview process is a two-way information exchange. A legitimate interviewer will welcome them as a sign of your research and interest, providing clear and honest answers.
If you sense any hesitation or avoidance, it’s essential to trust your instincts and proceed with caution.
If the hiring manager sidesteps your questions about the company or the position, they might be hiding something. Hedging or ignoring your questions signifies a fake interview.
A legitimate hiring manager will note your questions and seek answers when they need clarification.
17. Unable to Connect With Others at the Company
Another red flag during the interview is if you cannot connect with anyone else at the company. An inability or unwillingness for you to interact with current employees reeks of a fake interview or, at the very least, an isolated and potentially toxic work environment.
A legitimate company usually provides opportunities for potential employees to meet and talk with current employees, whether through an office tour or interviews involving more than one representative.
If you are not allowed to interact with others, it could be a warning sign that the company is not as legitimate or welcoming as it claims to be.
18. Unexpected or On-the-Spot Job Offers
Let’s face it: Job scammers don’t want to conduct lengthy interviews, they want to lure you in. So, if you’re offered the job on the spot, don’t be flattered — run.
Even for an entry-level position, it’s rare to be hired immediately, regardless of your dazzling personality and work experience.
Think twice if you’re offered a job right away — most companies will typically take a few weeks (or even a couple of months) to make their decision.
19. Pressure to Accept the Job Quickly
Scammers employ high-pressure tactics to force quick decisions. A legitimate employer will offer a reasonable time frame for you to consider the role.
If you’re pressured to accept the job immediately or risk missing out on a “limited-time offer,” proceed cautiously.
Remember, never feel rushed into accepting a job. Take your time to consider all aspects of the role carefully and do thorough research to ensure it’s a legitimate opportunity.
A good employer will understand and respect your thought process and decision-making.
20. Your Own Intuition
Your gut feeling can be the most reliable red flag. If something feels off, it likely is. Trust your intuition, and don’t be afraid to walk away from any uncomfortable situation.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry; there will always be other job opportunities. If you’re looking up “how to identify fake Skype interview,” you already feel you’re being set up for a fake interview.
Remember, scam artists prey on vulnerability and desperation.
Stay educated and vigilant in your job search to avoid falling for their traps. Line up some questions to ask a scammer to help you analyze whether or not the job interview you’re offered is a scam.
How Common Are Job Interview Scams?
In today’s digital age, job interview scams, particularly in online searches, have seen a noticeable uptick, according to recent reports. Fake job postings can be distributed across various platforms, posing a substantial financial risk for job seekers eager to find their next opportunity.
The same report shares that consumers have reported to the FTC over $370 million lost annually to job scams.
The anonymity of the internet provides the perfect scenario for scammers to pose as legitimate employers, making it increasingly difficult to tell legitimate work-from-home jobs from harmful traps.
When you start a job search, it’s easy to get pulled into dangerous scenarios (like Skype interview scams) with your guard down and a desire to land a job quickly.
One significant factor in a safe job search strategy is sticking with sites that vet job postings. Here at FlexJobs, we have an entire team that screens each job and company to ensure it’s legitimate and safe for job seekers.
10 Questions to Ask if You Suspect a Job Interview Scam
Are you getting the tingling sensation that something isn’t right, but you’re worried that you’re being overly cautious? Start your analysis with these questions to help you uncover job scams before it’s too late.
1. How did I find out about the job?
You may have stumbled upon a scam if you have no clear memory of applying for a position or if the method was unusual (such as an unsolicited email). Ask yourself if you found the job on a legitimate job board and if you initiated contact with the recruiter.
Always be extremely suspicious of any requests for a text interview. Thieves might lure you into a common scam, such as a Microsoft Teams scam, that results in financial or personal information being requested.
It’s common for a recruiter to reach out to you on LinkedIn, but being invited for an interview without going through a traditional hiring process is uncommon.
2. Does the job seem too good to be true?
High-paying jobs with little experience required are classic job scams. While legitimate high-paying entry-level jobs do exist, if a job seems too easy, it’s likely a trap.
Remember, legitimate employers will almost always require some experience and qualifications. Again, there are work-from-home jobs that don’t require experience, but those will generally offer a salary that seems appropriate for this stage in your career.
While you want to approach your job search confidently, you also should know what jobs are available at the next level in your career progression.
When the interview is for a job that seems to jump several levels without any explanation, that’s a reason to pause and take a deeper dive into company research.
3. Have there been financial or personal information requests?
Any request for funds or sensitive data should be a signal to halt communication and report a company.
No legitimate employer will ask for your bank account details, Social Security number, or other personal information during the application process.
Familiarize yourself with common job search scams, such as reshipping scams that require you to pay upfront for materials that you’ll supposedly repack or assemble and then ship.
If you have more of an entrepreneurial spirit, look into offering freelance services or starting an online business.
4. What is the quality of communication?
Professional jobs come with professional correspondence. If the tone or substance of communication is too casual or poorly written, you might be talking to a scammer.
Be mindful of cultural nuances when interacting with a company based overseas, but regardless of language barriers or customs, the communication should still be professional in tone.
5. Can I verify the information provided?
Find every opportunity to verify information through official channels. Use your own employer research to verify details, rather than clicking on email links or relying on information the recruiter has shared.
6. Has the interview process been professional?
An interview process that lacks structure or professional etiquette is likely not genuine.
Legitimate recruiters follow standard procedures to ensure they’re not violating any nondiscrimination or employment laws. Be wary of any process that deviates from the norm.
Smaller companies and startups might utilize less conventional communication methods.
For example, looking at the search results for “Is RingCentral legit?” you’ll find that Forbes magazine has an entire article devoted to the platform.
Receiving an interview invitation utilizing RingCentral isn’t automatically a red flag, but it should warrant more careful and thorough research before you accept.
7. Have I felt pressured to accept a job interview or offer?
Scammers use pressure tactics to push victims into quick decisions. A legitimate employer will respect your need for careful consideration and not press for immediate responses or actions.
Hiring and training are expensive for companies. No matter how desperately they need a position filled, legitimate leaders take time to ensure an excellent culture fit.
When you need to make money quickly, consider legitimate side gigs that offer a quick pay cycle. You could leverage your expertise in photography, bookkeeping, or writing, to name a few suggestions.
8. Are there other similar reviews on the interview process?
Assess the company culture and reviews. The experience of previous interviewees can be an invaluable tool in identifying potential scams.
Look for reviews or feedback on job sites and forums, and pay attention to any consistent red flags. Reach out to your LinkedIn groups to ask if anyone has experience with this company.
9. How transparent has the process been?
A fake interview process will often leave you with more questions than answers. If transparency is lacking, exercise extreme caution.
Legitimate employers will be upfront about the job duties, salary, and benefits. They will also provide clear timelines for the hiring process and address any concerns you may have.
If you feel like you’re being kept in the dark or information is being withheld, it’s best to move on to other opportunities.
10. What do my instincts tell me?
Your instincts are your best ally in detecting a job interview scam. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and proceed with caution.
Scammers often use high-pressure tactics, vague job descriptions, and unrealistic promises to lure in unsuspecting job seekers. Stay grounded and trust your gut.
If an opportunity seems too good to be true or gives you a feeling of unease, it’s best to walk away.
