How to Prevent Fake Job Postings and Deposit Scams in 2025
If you’ve ever applied for a job online, you know the thrill of getting a quick response. But in 2025, that “job offer” could easily be a scam. Criminals have turned recruitment websites into hunting grounds, posting fake positions and demanding “security deposits” or “training fees” before you can start. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to prevent fake job postings and deposit scams so you can job hunt without fear.
1. Why This Scam Is Surging in 2025
Online recruitment scams are not new, but the tactics have evolved. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported a 42% increase in employment scams in 2024, with losses exceeding $280 million. Fake job postings now often appear on legitimate platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and even niche industry boards.
AI-generated job descriptions and deepfake “HR interviews” make these scams harder to detect. What’s worse, scammers target both local job seekers and remote applicants, promising high pay and flexible hours to lure in victims.
2. How Fake Job & Deposit Scams Typically Work
- The Attractive Posting
The listing offers above-market pay, minimal qualifications, and vague responsibilities. - The Fast-Track Interview
You’re contacted within hours—sometimes without even submitting a complete application. - The Upfront Payment Request
Before you can “start,” you’re told to pay for training, software licenses, or a refundable deposit. - The Disappearing Act
Once the payment is made, the recruiter vanishes. No job, no refund.
3. Common Red Flags
| Red Flag | Why It’s Suspicious |
|---|---|
| No verifiable company website | Fake businesses often exist only on the job board. |
| Unprofessional communication | Poor grammar, generic greetings, or personal email domains. |
| Pressure for quick decisions | Scammers don’t want you to verify their story. |
| Requests for upfront money | Legitimate employers never charge to hire you. |
| Offers without interviews | Skipping the screening process is a major warning. |
4. Real Cases from 2025
Case 1: Remote Data Entry “Training Fee”
A graduate in New York was offered $35/hour for a part-time remote job. Before starting, she was told to pay $300 for a “special software license.” The recruiter’s email domain was a lookalike version of a real company’s site.
Case 2: Overseas Hospitality Deposit Scam
A chef in London received an offer for a luxury resort job in Dubai. The contract looked real, but it required a £1,000 “accommodation deposit” sent via wire transfer. The resort confirmed they had never posted such a role.
Case 3: IT Contractor Equipment Scheme
An Australian IT specialist was promised $120k/year. He was asked to buy a specific laptop model from an “approved vendor” who turned out to be part of the scam ring.
5. Expert Tips to Prevent Fake Job Postings and Deposit Scams
Verify the Employer
Search for the company’s official site and contact them directly through listed phone numbers or emails. Be cautious if you can’t find a professional LinkedIn page for the recruiter.
Research the Job Posting
If it appears on multiple unrelated websites with identical wording, it’s likely copied from a legitimate ad. You can use Google’s reverse image search for any company logos or recruiter photos.
Never Pay to Get a Job
Legitimate employers cover training, licensing, and onboarding costs. Requests for money—even if “refundable”—are a red flag.
Check the Email Domain
Real recruiters use corporate domains (e.g., @company.com). Scammers often use Gmail, Yahoo, or slight misspellings of real domains.
Use Trusted Platforms with Safety Filters
LinkedIn and Indeed have scam-reporting tools. The Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker can show if similar schemes have been reported.
Ask Specific Questions
Request details about the role’s reporting manager, office address, and onboarding process. Scammers often give vague or inconsistent answers.
Protect Your Personal Information
Do not send your passport, driver’s license, or bank details until after you’ve confirmed the company’s legitimacy and signed a verified contract.
6. Building a Safer Job Search Routine
- Keep communication on the job platform until you’re sure the employer is real.
- Cross-reference the recruiter’s name on LinkedIn with their stated employer.
- Use a separate email for job hunting to limit exposure of your main inbox.
- Set up alerts on your name and email with Google Alerts to spot possible misuse of your identity.
7. FAQ
Q: Can a real job ever require a deposit?
Very rarely, and only in industries like modeling where you’re paying a third-party agency—but even then, it’s risky.
Q: What’s the safest way to send personal documents?
Through encrypted file transfer tools like Proton Drive or company-secured portals—not email attachments.
Q: How do I check if a recruiter is legitimate?
Search for them on LinkedIn, look for consistent work history, and confirm their contact info matches the company’s HR department.
Q: Are scams more common on smaller job boards?
Yes, smaller sites often have weaker vetting processes, making them easier targets for scammers.
Q: What should I do if I’ve already paid?
Immediately contact your bank, file a police report, and report the scam to IC3 (in the U.S.) or your local fraud authority.
