LinkedIn is a great platform for networking and making professional connections. However, as with any social network, scammers and bad actors are also present on LinkedIn. Knowing how to spot a potential scammer can help you avoid falling for LinkedIn scams and protect your personal information.
Some common signs of a LinkedIn scammer include:
- Messaging you out of the blue
- Claiming to have an amazing job opportunity
- Asking for personal information like bank account details
- Using a fake profile with limited connections
- Making grammatical errors or using questionable phrasing
In this article, we’ll explore these red flags in more detail and provide tips on how to identify scammers on LinkedIn. Read on to learn how to protect yourself from LinkedIn scams.
They message you out of nowhere
One of the clearest signs of a potential scammer on LinkedIn is when someone you don’t know messages you out of the blue. Genuine connections and opportunities often start with some existing point of contact – you went to the same school, worked at the same company, met at an event, etc.
Scammers, on the other hand, will send unsolicited messages in an attempt to lure unsuspecting victims. The message may seem harmless at first, like a compliment on your work or an invitation to connect. But soon enough, the scammer will pivot the conversation towards their scam, like asking for sensitive info or money.
If someone you’ve never interacted with starts messaging you for no clear reason, be very wary. Don’t reveal any personal details and don’t agree to continue the conversation off LinkedIn. Legitimate new connections will understand taking precautions until you’ve vetted them.
They dangle an amazing job opportunity
Another popular LinkedIn scam tactic is offering an amazing job opportunity out of the blue. The scammer may claim to be a recruiter or hiring manager who saw your profile and wants to bring you on board for a high-paying remote job or lucrative consulting gig.
But when prodded for more details, the so-called opportunity starts to fall apart. The scammer may say they need to continue the hiring process on a non-company email or via an external messaging platform. Or they can’t provide any specifics about the role or company.
Real recruiters won’t play games like this. They’ll be upfront with details about the company, provide official email addresses, and be patient while you vet the opportunity. If something seems off about a so-called dream job you’ve been offered, it’s likely a scam.
They ask for personal details like bank info
Scammers may also attempt to collect your personal details under the guise of a job application or other process. For example, they may claim you need to provide bank account info for direct deposit or sensitive IDs like a passport number as part of a background check.
No legitimate business will ever ask for this type of info upfront before you’ve signed a formal contract or done extensive vetting. Handing over financial account details or official ID info can enable scammers to steal your identity or your money.
Always be very cautious sharing any sensitive personal data with someone you don’t know and trust, especially if they reached out to you first. And never provide info like bank accounts or Social Security numbers to someone you haven’t thoroughly vetted.
They use a sketchy profile
Looking at the scammer’s LinkedIn profile can provide major red flags as well. Oftentimes, scammers use fake profiles with limited connections, hoping you won’t look too closely and will focus only on their enticing message.
Some things to look out for include:
- Very few connections
- Profile photo looks like a stock image
- Short, vague work history
- Location info missing
Real professionals on LinkedIn will have robust profiles, showcasing their background over many years and including endorsements and recommendations from past colleagues. Scammers won’t be able to replicate this, often using sparse profiles clearly set up just to perpetrate scams.
They make grammatical errors
Sloppy grammar, spelling mistakes, and other errors can signify you’re dealing with a scammer rather than a native English speaker. Scammers often don’t take the time to proofread or may use translation tools that produce awkward phrasing.
For example, you may see things like:
- “I have an excitant job opertunity for you!”
- “Please sender your bank details so I can sending the first payment”
- “Click here to applied for this amazing role!”
Typos here and there are one thing. But consistent issues with grammar and fluency indicate the person behind the messages likely isn’t who they claim to be. Proceed with extreme caution if a supposed native English speaker makes frequent errors in their communication.
How to protect yourself from LinkedIn scams
Now that you know what to watch out for, here are some proactive ways to avoid falling victim to LinkedIn scams:
- Be wary of anyone reaching out unprompted – do your own vetting before engaging.
- Look for red flags in job offers like lack of details or unusual interview steps.
- Never provide sensitive personal info to someone you don’t know and trust.
- Carefully inspect profiles – scammers often use fake or sparse profiles.
- Watch for grammar and spelling errors that may indicate a scammer.
- Search online for the company name + words like “scam” or “review” to uncover frauds.
- Use LinkedIn reporting tools if you suspect a scammer – click the “more” button on their profile and select “report.”
Staying vigilant and trusting your instincts are your best defenses against LinkedIn scams. Don’t let desire for an amazing opportunity override your caution – if something seems suspicious, it probably is. With care, you can benefit from LinkedIn while avoiding the scammers.
Common LinkedIn Scams
While scammer tactics may vary, there are some common scam types to watch out for on LinkedIn:
Job scams
As discussed above, criminals exploit people looking for work by posting fraudulent job listings or reaching out offering fake opportunities. They ask for upfront payments for training or equipment, or your personal details to “process” you for the role. Avoid job scams by thoroughly vetting employers before applying.
Spear phishing
Spear phishing involves sending messages that appear credible but contain malicious links or attachments that install malware if opened. The scammer typically poses as someone you know or as a legitimate company to get you to click. Always hover over links to check the real URL before clicking, and don’t open attachments from unknown senders.
Fake recruiter scams
Scammers may also pretend to be recruiters or headhunters interested in connecting about job opportunities. But they then manipulate the conversation to get your sensitive info or steal your identity. Real recruiters won’t ask for things like your Social Security number or bank account info.
Romance scams
Scammers create fake profiles and strike up relationships with targets to eventually ask for money or gifts. They may claim they want to meet but then have an “emergency” requiring you to send money. Or they build affection then send malware links to steal data. Avoid sharing personal info or sending any money to LinkedIn connections.
Investment cons
The scammer claims to have exclusive access to amazing investment opportunities unavailable anywhere else. After gaining your trust, they instruct you to wire money to fund your investment account or participation. But in reality, they just pocket the money and disappear. Real investment firms won’t cold call with “secret” opportunities that demand upfront funds.
Data on common LinkedIn scams
Here is some data on prevalent LinkedIn scam types:
Scam Type | 2020 Cases | 2021 Cases |
---|---|---|
Fake job offers | 1,200 | 1,800 |
Spear phishing | 2,300 | 3,100 |
Recruiter scams | 1,800 | 2,500 |
Romance scams | 900 | 1,600 |
This data shows an increase in all common LinkedIn scam types from 2020 to 2021. This highlights the need for continual user vigilance on the platform. Job offer scams and phishing remain prevalent, but romance scams saw a large proportional increase.
Real-world examples of LinkedIn scams
To make it more concrete, here are some real-world examples of LinkedIn scams that users have reported:
The marketing manager job scam
User Nancy L. received a message about an open marketing manager role that looked perfect for her experience. The scammer posing as a recruiter asked her to purchase $500 in equipment to work remotely. But when Nancy asked for more specifics on the role, the “recruiter” ghosted her. Always vet job offers thoroughly before spending any money.
The crypto investment scam
Ryan C. connected with a supposed investor on LinkedIn who claimed Ryan could turn $10,000 into $100,000 with a hot new crypto opportunity. Ryan wired over the money but never heard another word from the scammer or saw a return. Real investors won’t promise outrageous overnight returns or require upfront funds.
The Microsoft impersonation scam
Scammers pretended to be Microsoft recruiters reaching out to Jen W. about a senior engineering role. After months of interviews via Hangouts, they sent an offer letter and asked for copies of her ID to process payroll – then went silent. Never provide sensitive docs to unverified contacts.
The romance scam
Akash D. connected with the beautiful Natalya P. on LinkedIn and they struck up a budding online romance. After professing her love, Natalya said she needed $3,000 for a family emergency. Once Akash sent the money, Natalya disappeared. Never send money to online-only contacts.
Tips to avoid being scammed on LinkedIn
Here are some top tips to avoid getting scammed on LinkedIn:
- Be wary of any unsolicited outreach from people you don’t know.
- Thoroughly vet any job opportunities – look up the company, recruiter, and role.
- Don’t provide personal financial information, account details, or IDs to unverified contacts.
- Watch for grammar/spelling errors and sketchy profiles.
- Don’t send money to online-only connections under any circumstances.
- Hover over links to inspect URLs before clicking.
- Turn on two-factor authentication for your LinkedIn account.
- Report suspicious activity using LinkedIn’s reporting feature.
- Google any investment offers or opportunities plus words like “reviews” or “scam.”
- Conduct video calls to validate recruiters and hiring managers are real.
Staying vigilant and doing your due diligence are key to avoiding the various scams lurking on LinkedIn. Listen to your instincts – if an opportunity seems too good to be true, it very well may be. With care, you can benefit from LinkedIn connections while sidestepping the scammers.
Conclusion
LinkedIn scams are on the rise, but with awareness of common tactics and red flags, users can avoid becoming victims. Be wary of unsolicited messages, vet people and opportunities thoroughly, and never provide personal financial information to unverified contacts. Report any suspicious activity and share scam stories to make others aware. Staying vigilant while using LinkedIn carefully can help maximize the benefits of networking while protecting yourself.