With more job seekers searching for remote roles, the prevalence of scammers targeting them is on the rise. This week we were made aware of a concerning recruitment scam where external parties are posing as Thrive Digital team members and making offers of employment. These scams request sensitive information and also attempt to lure victims to fake websites and cryptocurrency investment schemes.
These scams may include fraudulent communications via:
- WhatsApp
- Text Message
- Telegram
- Social Media Platforms (such as LinkedIn)
- Phone Interviews
- Fake Offer Letters
- Fabricated Employment Applications
- Requesting Monetary Payments
Note that any recruiting-related communication you receive from Thrive Digital would come from:
- @thrivedigital.com e-mail address
- no-reply@us.greenhouse-mail.io (applicant tracking system)
It’s important we make it very clear that we at Thrive Digital would never offer a job or even an interview without someone going through our application and interview process first. While we do reach out to people on social channels, most commonly LinkedIn, with information about active job posts, we always include a detailed recruitment package and a link to apply to the job posting.
If you believe that you have been a victim of job recruiting fraud, you should file a report with your local law enforcement.
Unfortunately, there’s little we can do to control the actions of these scammers, but cyber security and applicant protection are important to us, so we wanted to share security tips to protect yourself.
5 crucial security tips to follow when contacted by a potential scammer
Verify email addresses
Legitimate businesses use corporate email accounts. If the communication comes from a Gmail, Yahoo, or similar account, exercise caution, as it may indicate a potential scam. Additionally, be wary of email addresses mimicking or attempting to replicate a company's official domain, as scammers often employ this tactic to deceive recipients. Always scrutinize email addresses for authenticity to mitigate the risk of falling victim to phishing or impersonation attempts.
Beware of unusual platforms
Authentic organizations almost never use messaging apps like WhatsApp or WeChat for official communication for hiring purposes. Be particularly vigilant on LinkedIn, where scammers often create fake profiles impersonating reputable companies.
Never pay for a job
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) highlights that requiring payment to secure a job is a common scam tactic. Legitimate employers do not charge applicants for employment opportunities.
Stay cautious with cryptocurrency
Scammers exploit the anonymity of cryptocurrencies for illicit activities. Be wary of job offers involving sending or receiving money through crypto, as this is a red flag.
Exercise due diligence
Before sharing any personal information, researching the legitimacy of the company is crucial. Use Google and social media to verify the company's existence. Review the sender's domain name and investigate LinkedIn profiles thoroughly, paying attention to connections and interactions with the company.
By staying vigilant and following these security tips, you can protect yourself from falling victim to online job scams. Always prioritize your safety and thoroughly investigate any unsolicited job offers or communication.
Saudat Atta
