Fraudulent job postings follow recognizable patterns. Here's what to check before you share any personal details.
Any request for money
Legitimate employers never ask candidates to pay for training, equipment, or "processing" before a job starts. This is the single biggest red flag.
Vague everything
No company name, a generic email domain (not a company domain), and a job description that could apply to literally any role are common markers of a fake listing.
Pressure to decide instantly
Real hiring processes take days or weeks. Extreme urgency ("offer expires in 2 hours") is a manipulation tactic, not a normal business practice.
Before you apply
Search the company name, check their official website independently (don't trust links in the posting), and verify the recruiter's profile actually matches the company.