Amidst widespread job cuts in the tech industry, former employees are flocking to LinkedIn in search of new opportunities. However, a dark side to this surge has emerged as con artists seize the opportunity to lure unsuspecting job seekers into phishing scams.
According to a comprehensive study conducted by NordLayer, a leading provider of network security solutions for businesses, the prevalence of fake job offers and phishing scams on LinkedIn is experiencing a significant upswing. The report reveals that a staggering 56% of businesses globally have encountered at least one LinkedIn scam this year, underscoring the alarming growth of this threat.
Growing LinkedIn scams
In a revealing report by news agency IANS, LinkedIn scams have come under scrutiny, shedding light on alarming trends. The study highlights that the most popular scam on the platform is the issuance of fake job offers, comprising a significant 48% of reported incidents. Equally concerning is the finding that victims of these scams frequently suffer from a damaged reputation, which also stands at 48%. Astonishingly, the report uncovers that a considerable 45% of companies surveyed are aware of scammers utilising their organisation’s brand name on LinkedIn, further emphasising the scope and impact of these fraudulent activities.
Moreover, phishing scams have become alarmingly widespread, with fraudsters resorting to the impersonation of well-known companies and professionals using fraudulent profiles. These impostors exploit the platform by sending unsolicited messages or emails cleverly designed to solicit sensitive information from unsuspecting users. These scams can be categorised into two main types. The first targets individuals directly, often posing as fellow LinkedIn users. The second type operates at a company level, where scammers assume false organisational identities or impersonate existing companies to establish a higher level of credibility and trustworthiness.
