- Scammers target job seekers, younger workers most at risk
- Despite awareness, LinkedIn says younger workers are simply desperate for a job
- Most attacks move from trusted platforms to personal messaging applications
New data from LinkedIn has claimed that Gen Z workers are more vulnerable to job scams despite increased awareness – around one in three (32%) admit to ignoring scam warning signs because of how rare it is becoming to be able to find a suitable job.
As a result, 40% of Gen Z workers have fallen for a job scam, compared to just 27% of older Gen X workers.
In total, around three-quarters (72%) of applicants now stop to consider the legitimacy of the job before applying, and more than half (57%) are more suspicious than they were a year ago.
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Younger workers are victims of job scams
“Young job seekers are not being neglected, they are under pressure,” explained Oscar Rodríguez, vice president of Trust products at LinkedIn. “When opportunities seem slim, it’s harder to slow down and examine every interaction.”
LinkedIn also noted that Gen Z workers would be 30% less likely to question random calls from recruiters compared to Gen X workers, while the younger generation is also less likely to question pressure to make a quick decision.
However, while scammers are targeting potential workers, the recruiting platform shared some telltale signs, one of which is that attackers often shy away from trusted platforms with built-in protections. Nine out of 10 reported scam attempts directed users to personal messaging apps.
According to the report, the two highest risk times for applicants are when reviewing job offers and during the first contact with a recruiter.
Workers are therefore advised to pause and evaluate whether the process ever feels rushed or lazy, or if the so-called recruiter steers them away from a trusted platform sooner.
As for LinkedIn, the company is committed to blocking fake accounts and fraudulent messages before they reach the victim. The Microsoft-owned platform has also been actively pushing its verification tools for several months, with the goal of verifying everyone who has an account.
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