3 Job Scam Red Flags That Changed in 2025 (and What to Look For Now)
The new age of technology is here, yet simultaneously, it has brought us a new set of concerns. Without growth in awareness, you wouldn’t know the subtle changes of evolving red flags. Red flags are no longer about bad quality video or error-filled written communication. Technology allowed everyone with access to leverage their output, whether good or bad, to create quality content.
What is at stake in 2026?
November’s job report showed a 32,000 net job loss in the private sector. Many experts don’t see layoffs slowing down. Traditionally, bad actors respond to bad news with more job scams.
I expect that, when the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issue scam reports in the U.S., victims will lose more money in 2025 than in 2024. While the financial loss is a concern, the identities of those whose identities have been stolen may remain unknown, costing victims even more money.
What red flags will show up differently in 2026?
Deepfake Videos
The “John Cena” test is now obsolete.
Old red flags: Deepfake videos once passed the authenticity test across the board. It was assumed the person behind the camera was real. Bad actors used videos to interview victims for fake jobs. The way to call out bad actors was by getting the video presenter to move their hands in front of their face.
At the beginning of 2025, presenters faced production limitations, so bad actors were removed by having the video presenter move. Despite videos with slow response times, limited human animation, and canned audio, they lured victims into thinking they were hired, stole their personal information, and promised them all the perks the average worker wants.
What’s changed: Deepfake videos are now responsive in real time, with lips in sync with the audio and moving as if they were real. The development of AI-generated video has not only made production more scalable but also more realistic and convincing.
Text message content at first glance seems harmless, but…
Grammar and language are somewhat normalized.
Old red flags: Most of the red flags persist, such as unrealistic yet generous salary offers, unrealistic timelines, and randomness, which are still enough to ignore and block these messages. Those unprepared for the job scam battle will focus solely on the grammar and may fall for their schemes. I’ve repeatedly said one anomaly is enough to disengage communication.
At the beginning of the year, there were plenty of warnings about text messages from fake recruiters and companies, yet there seemed to be more victims than in prior years.
What’s changed: The example below shows the first reading appears with clean grammar, without scammer-speak (the use of “Kindly”), and yes, the exorbitant salary range.
Do this instead: Unless you consciously opted in for text communications, you can ignore it. A few recruiters may contact you by text, but they will have real information and a way to confirm their credentials. Fake recruiters and companies have fake credentials. Don’t go to the fake site. Do go to the email with .outlook.com or .gmail.com.
Fake credentials: the scam no one talks about.
Fake certificates, tests, and assessments have reached victims.
Old red flags: Bad actors were emboldened to dangle opportunities in front of potential victims. If they completed training, they would get the job and a bonus. They were bold enough to approach victims in the LinkedIn comments section. Earlier this year, they targeted furloughed and laid-off federal workers with assessments and tests under a special program.
Bad actors lured separated federal workers into a test market for fake assessments and pay-to-play training. Fake recruiters on LinkedIn and fake hiring sites target laid-off feds, ask for a federal-style resume and proof of clearances, then demand fees for training or background checks before the job can move forward.
What’s changed: Bad actors are using fake training programs to expand into public-sector jobs.
How to spot them: There are no shortcuts to accredited program certifications, especially in regulated industries. Research to find out if the organization is real or if they’re spoofing the real organization. They may have fake employees who display bogus certifications on LinkedIn or other social platforms. You may find the certificate is not required for the job or credentialing.
Need help keeping your private information safe?
I wanted to ensure that the companies I partner with for ‘The Job Scam Report’ were a good fit. The FBI reports Americans are losing significantly more to cybercrime than home burglaries, with digital crime financial losses reaching approximately $12.5 billion in 2023 alone.
Job search strategy and safety should be top of mind for all job seekers.
I’m happy to announce that Aura’s All-in-One Online Safety is an affiliate of “The Job Scam Report.” It’s powered by AI to protect your identity, finances, and devices. With $1M Identity Theft Insurance and 24/7, U.S.-based expert support, you can job search with little worry of protecting your computer and personal information.
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Perspective: What My Clients Need to Know About Job Scams
Sign up on LinkedIn!
Job scams are a pandemic, and most career coaches have few ideas how to help their clients.
While this doesn’t apply to every career services professional, I hear from job seekers who’ve had several weeks of “coaching” and “mentoring” and not one ounce of advice on navigating job scams, ghost jobs, fake recruiters, etc.
On Thursday, Dec. 12, 1 pm Central, I will host a LinkedIn Live with some of your favorite career services professionals.
The guest list will likely change, but here are some of the guests (links are to each guest’s LinkedIn profile):
Gina Riley
✒️Claire M. Davis🖋️
Melissa Kelley CPRW, CEMC
Kenneth Lang
Bob McIntosh
Virginia Franco
JAY JONES
The stories, anecdotes, and solutions from this session will be invaluable to your 2026 job search.
Please join us so you’ll remain well-informed to job search safely and strategically.
As I always say:
Clarify.
Verify.
Don’t just apply.
Stay scam-free, y’all!