Indeed is a popular job search website that connects job seekers with employers. While it can be a useful tool for finding employment as graphic designers, it is also important to be aware of the potential risks and scams that can occur on the platform. In this article, we will explore real examples of scams that have been perpetrated on job seekers on Indeed, and offer tips on how to protect yourself on the platform and online in general.

Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t
help them, at least don’t hurt them.
Dalai Lama

There are a variety of scams that can occur on Indeed, and it is important to be aware of them in order to protect yourself. Some examples of scams that have been perpetrated on job seekers on the platform include:

Fake job postings: Some scammers create fake job postings in order to trick job seekers into providing personal information or paying a fee. These fake job postings may appear legitimate, but they are often used to collect sensitive information or defraud job seekers.

Phishing scams: Phishing scams are a common type of online scam that involves sending fake emails or messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as an employer or recruitment agency. These messages may contain links that, when clicked, install malware on the victim’s computer or redirect them to a fake website where they are asked to enter personal information.

Data theft: Some scammers may create fake job postings or use other tactics to collect personal information from job seekers, such as their name, address, or financial information. This information can then be used for identity theft or other fraudulent purposes.

Employment scams: Employment scams are a type of scam in which job seekers are offered fake job opportunities or asked to pay upfront fees in exchange for employment. These scams may involve fake job postings, fake employment agencies, or other tactics to defraud job seekers.

How To Spot A Scam On Indeed

In order to protect yourself from scams on Indeed, it is important to know how to spot a scam. Some red flags to look out for include:

Requiring upfront payment: Legitimate employers and recruitment agencies should not ask job seekers to pay upfront fees in order to apply for a job or secure employment. If you are asked to pay a fee in order to apply for a job or receive employment assistance, this is likely a scam.

Asking for personal information: Employers and recruitment agencies should not ask for sensitive personal information, such as your social security number or financial information, until you have been offered a job or entered into a legitimate employment contract. If you are asked to provide this information upfront, this may be a sign of a scam.

Offering too-good-to-be-true job opportunities: Be cautious of job opportunities that seem too good to be true, such as high-paying jobs with no experience required or jobs that allow you to work from home without any prior training or qualifications.

Poorly written job postings: Scammers may not take the time to create well-written and professional job postings, so be on the lookout for postings that contain poor grammar, spelling errors, or vague job descriptions.

Lack of contact information: If a job posting does not include the name or contact information for the company or recruiter, this may be a sign that the posting is fake.

To verify the legitimacy of a job posting on Indeed, take the following steps:

• Research the company: Look up the company’s website and search for information about the company online. Check to see if the company is registered with the Better Business Bureau or has any other red flags.

• Contact the company: If you are interested in applying for a job, you can try reaching out to the company directly to ask questions and verify their legitimacy. You can also ask the company to provide you with more information about the job and the hiring process.

• Check for reviews: Look for reviews or testimonials from people who have worked for the company or used their services. This can give you a sense of the company’s reputation and help you to determine whether or not the job posting is legitimate.

Protecting Yourself On Indeed

In order to protect yourself, it is important to know how scammers operate. Here is what to do when encountering new companies on Indeed

Do your research: Before applying for a job on Indeed, do your research and verify the legitimacy of the company. Look up the company’s website and search for information about the company online. Check to see if the company is registered with the Better Business Bureau or has any other red flags.

Don’t provide personal information: Be cautious about sharing personal information, such as your name, address, or financial information, with anyone online. Only share this information with trusted websites and ensure that the website is secure (look for the “https” in the URL).

Be careful when clicking links: Be careful when clicking on links in emails or messages, as these may lead to fake websites or install malware on your computer.

Report scams: If you suspect that a job posting on Indeed is a scam, you can report it to Indeed by clicking the “report this job” link on the job posting. You can also report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local consumer protection agency.

Protecting Yourself Online In General

In order to protect yourself from the multitudes of bots and malicious actors trying to obtain your information online by covert means, it is important to know your options. Some tried and true methods to incorporate into your digital regimen:

Your Plan Of Attack

Use strong, unique passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts, and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. Strong passwords should be at least eight characters long and include a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.

Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring you to provide a second form of authentication, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. Only share this information with trusted websites and ensure that the website is secure (look for the “https” in the URL).

Use a virtual private network (VPN): A VPN can help to protect your online activity and personal information by encrypting your internet connection and hiding your IP address.

Avoid suspicious links or emails: Be cautious of suspicious links or emails that ask you to click on a link or enter personal information. These may be phishing scams or other types of online threats.

Keep your devices and software up to date: Keep your devices and software up to date with the latest security patches and updates. This can help to protect against vulnerabilities and online threats

Conclusion

Indeed can be a useful tool for finding employment, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks and scams that can occur on the platform. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can protect yourself from scams on Indeed and online in general.

Remember to be cautious of job opportunities that seem too good to be true, do your research and verify the legitimacy of companies, protect your personal information, and follow best practices for online security.

By following these steps, you can help to safeguard your online identity and data and stay safe on the internet.