Is this job a scam? Is it too good to be true? Familiarize yourself with these nine warning signs and ways to protect yourself from fraudulent practices when job hunting.

You’re contacted with a non-business email address.

Many scams start with an email that looks legitimate, then move you to a personal or encrypted platform (such as Gmail, WhatsApp, Telegram or text message). While not all web‑based emails are scams, legitimate employers typically use official organization email addresses. Be aware that any email address (including ones that appear to come from legitimate or university-affiliated domains) can be spoofed, hacked or impersonated. Never share banking information or personal details based on email alone.

You’re sent a phishing or job scam email.

These emails may appear to come from a real person, professor, employer or organization. They often include links or attachments asking for personal information or directing you to a fake application page. Always check links carefully before clicking and avoid entering personal information unless you are confident the source is legitimate.

You’re offered a job on the spot.

Legitimate employers do not hire candidates without a real interview process. Interviews may be in person, by phone or by live video (Zoom, Teams, etc.). No one is legitimately hired by email, text or chat alone because employers want to speak with you live to assess fit and qualifications. Be especially cautious if the “interview” is only text-based, asynchronous (pre‑written questions only) or extremely short and scripted. This applies even to remote or international roles.

The business does not clearly identify itself.

A legitimate employer will clearly state the organization’s name, the role and responsibilities and how to learn more (for instance, official website or contact information). Do not provide information to individuals soliciting resumes or personal details in hallways, tunnels or on campus unless they clearly represent a university‑affiliated group or an employer with a booth/session booked through a Carleton department.

You’re asked to wire money, deposit a cheque or forward funds.

If you are asked to provide banking information upfront, receive or deposit money before doing any work, or send funds to a “supplier,” “client,” or third party, this is a scam. Often, the cheque or transfer will later bounce, leaving you responsible for the lost money. Legitimate employers never operate this way.

You’re contacted at odd hours, or the “employer” is vague about location.

Scammers often operate in different time zones and may claim they are travelling or working internationally and are unavailable for live communication. While global work is common, employers should still be transparent and reachable.

No experience is required for work that should require experience.

Be cautious if you’re offered responsibility for handling money, financial transactions, managing operations or purchasing or shipping goods, without any relevant background or training.

You’re asked for personal, financial or identity information.

Never share your social Insurance Number (SIN), banking or credit card information, copies of government ID, photos, videos or voice recordings “for verification,” before a legitimate interview process and formal written job offer. Some scams exist solely to collect personal data for identity theft, even if they never ask for money.

Things don’t add up when you research the employer.

Scammers may use real organizations’ names, logos or job descriptions copied from legitimate organizations. Always check the organization’s official website, look for verified LinkedIn or Glassdoor presence, or contact the organization using contact info listed on their real website (not what’s provided in the email). If the organization has little or no online footprint, that’s a red flag to look into.

Ways to Protect Yourself from Scams

  1. Use trusted job boards, such as mySuccess, LinkedIn, Indeed and government or employer websites. No platform is scam‑proof, but reputable boards reduce risk.
  2. Search the job and employer online. Copy and paste the job title, description and organization into a search engine to see if others have reported concerns.
  3. Look for inconsistencies, not just grammar mistakes. AI has made scam messages more polished. Focus on vague details, pressure tactics or requests that don’t make sense.
  4. Ask for a second opinion. If something feels off, talk to Career Services, a professor, advisor or trusted friend before responding.
  5. Don’t be rushed. Scammers create urgency to limit your ability to think critically. Legitimate employers give you time.
  6. Report suspicious activity. If the job is on the mySuccess Job Board, please report it to Career Services. If it’s on another platform, report it directly to that site.

If something feels off, the best thing to do is pause and verify.

To refer to this information, visit the Job Scam page on the Career Services website. For any questions about job scams, email Career Services at career@carleton.ca.