Summary
In the episode of “The Jobs Scam Report” podcast, we discussed recent layoff trends, the associated rise in job scams, and strategies to avoid them. Jay Jones and Ashley Price Horton joined me to share insights on red flags, evolving scammer tactics, including deepfakes and AI-generated content, as well as best practices for job seekers, with an emphasis on cybersecurity.
We also tried to highlight new security threats, the importance of effective password management, and the risks associated with sharing personal information.
We also miss Russell Irby, who consistently shares his job scam findings and valuable HR perspectives as an HR leader.
Show highlights
Layoffs, Scams & Job Market Trends
Major recent layoffs have been reported at Intel, Microsoft, and Lululemon; these layoffs create new opportunities for scammers to target job seekers.
Public sites, such as the WARN Act, layoff.com, and Reddit, are valuable resources for identifying upcoming layoffs and related scam activity.
Alumni groups of affected companies (e.g., Microsoft) have become essential channels for sharing insider information and avoiding scams.
Job seekers are advised to research thoroughly before applying, using forums such as Glassdoor and Reddit, and to be wary when accepting offers from recently downsized firms.
TheLayoff.com is a good resource for pre-layoff chatter and rumors.
Red Flags & Evolving Scam Tactics
Classic scams are resurfacing, including fake recruiter messages and right-to-represent (RTR) email scams.
RTR is an opt-in process that allows a potential candidate to authorize a recruitment agency to represent them for a specific opportunity.
Empathy-based messaging is on the rise, with scammers leveraging current events (e.g., layoffs) to appear more credible.
Scammers are recycling old techniques, including using stolen images, fake websites, and exploiting the victim’s short-term memory.
Rise of “donation saboteurs” exploiting GoFundMe and similar platforms for scams.
Advice: Ignore, block, or delete suspicious contacts, and also publicly report and comment to warn others, thereby enhancing collective protection. Often, it’s best to ignore.
Cybersecurity Best Practices for Job Seekers
Never reuse passwords; use unique, strong passwords for each account and change them every six months.
Use reputable password managers (e.g., Bitwarden), enable multi-factor authentication, and secure primary email with a unique password.
Avoid including sensitive information (e.g., home address) on your resume unless it is essential. Government job applications are exceptions and require accuracy.
When companies require an address in an online form, consider using a P.O. Box or a local address, unless you are applying for a federal role.
Be aware of the dangers from fake federal resume writers, who may solicit sensitive personal information under false pretenses. While traditional resumes contain a vast history, new federal resumes now average two pages. Don’t send anyone your traditional resume.
Use a VOIP number for job search applications and avoid unnecessary disclosure of personal data. Stop including your physical address and use a dedicated Gmail account for job search-related communications.
Deepfakes, AI, and Advanced Scam Technology
Deepfake technology is rapidly advancing and being exploited by scammers to create compelling fake interviews, videos, and social media content.
Recent examples include AI-generated interviewees and altered images evade reverse image searches.
Job seekers and professionals are advised to verify the authenticity of digital communications and videos, as scams are expected to become increasingly sophisticated.
Community & Platform-Specific Threats
LinkedIn and other social networks are inundated with fake profiles, many of them premium and aged, making detection and removal difficult.
LinkedIn is likely struggling to keep up with removing accounts from bad actors who are creating AI-generated fake profiles at an alarming rate.
Even verified and established accounts can be hacked or mimicked to perpetrate scams.
Companies and recruiters are encouraged to bring more attention to this issue, as fake recruiting affects both candidates and corporate reputations. We do see some recruiters making the effort to warn LinkedIn users when they find accounts imitating themselves or their company.
Panelists urge continuous vigilance and reporting to both platforms and broader networks. Word-of-mouth to the public appears to be the fastest method for warning the LinkedIn community about fake accounts.
Announcements & Upcoming Events
Ashley is working towards securing $3 million in job offers for her clients by the end of July, sharing opportunities and success stories on LinkedIn.
Jay, who is presenting scam avoidance strategies in a July talk with B Wise, has launched a new podcast and newsletter with over 2,000 subscribers.
Mark to release new content on scam avoidance and announce future projects as details become public.
Decisions
Emphasis on Public Reporting and Education — Panelists agree that actively reporting and publicizing scams is more effective than simply blocking them, as it collectively improves awareness and prevention.
Open Questions / Follow-Ups
How universally will the federal two-page resume rule be applied across agencies, and what is the official implementation timeline?
Continue monitoring the effectiveness of Google’s and other image and search tools for detecting altered scammer images.
Await further details and public announcements about Mark’s confidential projects.
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