ALBANY, NY (December 9, 2025) — Fake job listings are surging as scammers hunt for new ways to steal personal information, state labor officials warned.
The New York State Department of Labor urged job seekers to watch for clear red flags that a posting may be fraudulent.
Common warning signs include unsolicited texts or emails from recruiters claiming they found a resume online and want to offer a job; vague job descriptions that lack specific details about responsibilities and qualifications; and postings with no verifiable company online presence or physical address.
Other red flags cited by NYSDOL: unrealistically high compensation far above average for the role; unprofessional communication using personal email addresses or filled with grammatical errors and typos; interviews conducted only over instant messaging apps; job offers made without any interview; requests for payment for training, equipment or fees; and early demands for Social Security numbers or bank account details.
The department also highlighted pressure tactics, with scammers urging applicants to respond immediately or decide quickly before verifying the job is real.
“Honest employers will never ask you to pay for a job or to apply,” the NYSDOL statement said.
Job seekers were advised to always research a company and offer, check expected responsibilities and qualifications, confirm average salary ranges, and verify the company is legitimate. When in doubt, talk to someone trusted.
The department pointed to its Virtual Career Center as a reliable source for legitimate job postings.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
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