Fake Job Scams Are Evolving – Watch Out for These LinkedIn Red Flags

Scammers are getting more sophisticated, and LinkedIn has become a major platform for fake job offers – especially targeting people in tech.

It usually starts with a message from a “recruiter” who looks legit. Their profile has a photo, company name, even mutual connections. The job sounds great: remote, high-paying, flexible. But then things get suspicious.

They might send a « skills test » that’s actually malware. Others ask for personal info like passport scans or crypto wallet addresses for “background checks” or “payroll setup.” Some will send a GitHub repo and ask you to run scripts or executables as part of the “interview.”

For developers or tech professionals, this is a major red flag. Live coding tests should always be done on trusted platforms. No legit employer will ask you to run unverified code on your own machine.

What to watch for:

Recruiters reaching out about jobs you didn’t apply for Pressure to move quickly or submit documents right away Interviews conducted entirely through messaging Requests to download files or clone GitHub repos Asking for personal or financial info before any formal paperwork

How to protect yourself:

Verify the recruiter’s identity by checking if their email matches the company domain or a known recruiting firm – and be cautious if they’re using a personal address like Gmail or Outlook without any official contact details Cross-check the job listing on the company’s official careers page Never run code or install software sent by a recruiter Don’t provide sensitive documents until you’ve signed an official offer

This stuff isn’t just phishing – it’s targeted social engineering. Some scammers are even using AI tools to write perfect, customized messages.

If you’ve been approached with a sketchy offer, drop it below. Let’s share stories and keep each other safe.