Job hunting is stressful enough without dodgy scammers trying to fleece you. Unfortunately, desperate job seekers make perfect targets for these predators lurking on job boards.

The Red Flags That Scream "SCAM!"

Trust your gut: if it sounds too good to be true, it absolutely is. Here's what to watch out for:

• Pushy communication tactics - They want to move to WhatsApp or text immediately (so job boards can't track them)

• False urgency - "This position closes TODAY!" (spoiler: it doesn't)

• Fantasy pay - £500 per day for "data entry from home"? Come on.

• Vague job descriptions paired with unprofessional messages full of typos.

When in doubt, Google the company thoroughly. No website or contact details? Run.

How These Parasites Operate

The classic move? Asking for upfront fees for "uniforms," "training courses," or "background checks." Legitimate employers never charge candidates.

LinkedIn recently flagged CV-writing services as a major threat, accounting for 37% of reported job scams. These fraudsters take your money, vanish, and leave you with nothing.

Your Anti-Scam Toolkit

• Stay vigilant - Especially in industries known for remote work scams

• Research everything - Company name, contact details, reviews

• Guard your information - Never share financial details or pay upfront fees

• Choose safer platforms - Use job boards that verify employers (like Rodeo!)

How Rodeo Fights Back

Unlike other job boards that let anyone post anything, we only allow jobs from verified company domains. No random internet scammers allowed. It's a simple but effective way to keep the wolves at bay.

Been Scammed? Take Action

If you've fallen victim, contact Action Fraud (the UK's national fraud reporting centre) immediately. Don't suffer in silence – reporting helps protect others too.

Remember: legitimate employers want to pay you, not the other way around. Stay smart out there.