When Desperation Meets Deception: Lessons from Nearly Falling for a Job Scam
By Ja'Mel Ashely Ware
In the throes of job hunting—especially during seasons of financial strain and family responsibilities—the promise of a new opportunity can be blinding. I know that truth intimately.
A few weeks ago, I was nearly scammed. It started innocently: I commented on a friend's LinkedIn post. Someone I did not know responded with a job lead. Desperate for stability, I followed the thread. I checked her credentials, messaged her directly, and sent my resume to the recruiter she suggested.
The email turned into what seemed like an interview. Every reply contained a new question. Then came the job description and instructions to apply. I did enthusiastically. Only then did the recruiter mention that my resume likely wouldn't get through the company's Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Odd, I thought, considering she'd already seen my resume in our first exchange.
Still, I moved forward. The recruiter directed me to a "professional resume writer." I hesitated at the cost, but I wanted the role—it was a dream opportunity. Instead of paying, I activated my network. I contacted classmates, colleagues, and Emory's Career Management Center. Within hours, I had a refined resume, tailored and ATS-friendly. I sent it to her with pride.
I never heard from her again.
The woman who messaged me on LinkedIn? Gone. The recruiter's profile felt off. It didn't take long to piece it together: the recruiter and resume writer were the same person. And once she realized I wouldn't pay, I was no longer of value.
The Rise of Recruitment Scams
Sadly, my story isn't unique. Job scams are escalating rapidly, particularly in digital hiring spaces like LinkedIn. Recent data shows that up to 60% of LinkedIn job postings may be fake, often used to harvest personal information, or lure job seekers into scams (Ramnc, 2023).
Moreover, 36% of online job ads across platforms are completely fraudulent, created to either sell a service (like resume writing) or gather sensitive data under the guise of recruiting (Wells, 2024).
These scams prey on desperation and hope, two emotions many of us are experiencing a great deal right now.
From Deception to Direction
Despite being deceived, I walked away with something meaningful: clarity. In just 36 hours, I activated my network, polished my resume, and gained insight into my capability and connection.
The experience reminded me that even in uncertainty, we are never powerless.
5 Ways to Protect Yourself During a Job Search
Verify Recruiter Identities
Cross-reference names, emails, and companies. A quick LinkedIn search or company directory check can prevent major pitfalls.
Guard Your Personal Information
Never send sensitive details (like SSNs, personal addresses, or payment information) until an offer is legitimate and confirmed.
Be Wary of Upfront Payments
No legitimate employer asks you to pay for training, resume rewrites, or job applications.
Use Trusted Networks
Before following leads from strangers, consult your network or official career services. If something feels off, it probably is.
Trust Your Instincts
When the process feels too rushed or overly transactional, take a step back. Urgency is often a red flag in scams.
