Why Tech Posting Scams Are Out Of Control

Between 2020 and 2024, tech job scams surged by over 300%, exploiting vulnerable job seekers with fake postings, AI deep fakes, and task scams that lead to significant financial and emotional harm. These sophisticated scams, fueled by an unstable job market and advanced criminal tactics, necessitate stronger verification and reporting measures from job platforms to protect both candidates and companies.

Between 2020 and 2024, tech job scams surged by over 300%, resulting in job seekers losing more than $500 million to fraudulent employment offers. These scams often target vulnerable individuals, especially those affected by mass layoffs in the tech sector, exploiting their urgency and fear. Nearly one in five online job postings are estimated to be fake or fraudulent, with scammers increasingly using hyper-realistic job hoaxes and AI deep fakes to deceive victims. The tech industry is particularly targeted due to its high rate of remote work and perceived lucrative salaries.

Scammers closely monitor labor market trends and respond rapidly to events like mass layoffs, tailoring their fraudulent campaigns to exploit the emotional state of job seekers. They use direct and immediate communication channels such as text messages and messaging apps, which are opened much faster than emails, prompting impulsive reactions. This immediacy, combined with the promise of flexible, well-paid remote jobs, makes victims more susceptible to falling for these scams.

A growing category of fraud involves “task scams,” where victims are asked to perform simple online tasks for small initial payments, which build trust. Eventually, victims are required to pay fees—often in cryptocurrency or electronic transfers—to continue or withdraw earnings, after which scammers disappear with the money. These scams have escalated dramatically, with reported cases rising from zero in 2020 to over 20,000 in the first half of 2024, nearly 30% of which target the tech sector.

The consequences of these scams extend beyond financial loss. Victims often share sensitive personal information, risking identity theft and further fraud. Emotional and psychological impacts are significant, with over 35% of victims reporting anxiety, guilt, or shame. Even tech-savvy individuals suffer damage to their self-esteem and confidence after being deceived, highlighting the sophisticated nature of these scams and their deep personal toll.

The rise of tech job scams is fueled by an unstable job market, increased digitalization, and the use of advanced tools by organized criminal networks. These scams not only harm job seekers but also pose risks to companies, which may unknowingly hire fake employees aiming to access confidential information. To combat this growing threat, job platforms must enhance verification processes, implement stricter filters, and enable real-time reporting of suspicious listings. Without stronger controls, the digital job market will remain vulnerable to exploitation by scammers.