Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Beware of Fake Job Postings

What you need to know to protect yourself

By Daniel Walessa, Representative Intern

At some point in our lives, most of us will have to apply to a job online. What used to be a simple process of sending in a resume and clicking apply has become all the more challenging with the ever-increasing number of fake and scam job postings on the Internet.

4 Tips to Avoid Scams

1. Scam Postings

A popular fake job website that you should be aware of is known as Trabajo, Spanish for job. It uses old and fake job postings to steal your information when you apply for a job. If you create an account with Trabajo, your email will be immediately flooded with scam job emails that either do not exist or are locked behind a paywall. This scam preys on the most vulnerable Canadians—those who are desperate and out of work and who may not be on guard for potential scams. Please do not give any of your information to this website as it is a scam.

2. Fake Job Postings

These job postings are sometimes harder to spot and are used by companies to “fish” for labour. They are often posted by legitimate employers on legitimate websites. These job postings are used by larger companies who are bidding for big projects so they can test the market and see if they will be able to build a sufficient workforce to undertake the work. Here are some signs that an employer may be fishing for workers:

Vague job descriptions
Unrealistic salary expectations
Delayed/no follow-up to applicants
The recruiter does not know specifics about the role
Job postings that are only on third-party sites
Asking for sensitive information early (before an interview)

What CLAC Is Doing About Scams

The CLAC Jobs Team continues to work diligently to find members rewarding and reliable jobs tailored to their specific needs and skills. If a member finds a job for another CLAC-signatory they are interested in applying for, the team can help promote them to the employer and give them the best possibility for success. The Jobs Teams also regularly connects with all CLAC-signatory employers who work in the field you are interested in, letting them know we have talented members to hire when they need workers. Through CLAC Jobs, you can be confident that your information will be safe and secure and that the team is working diligently to find you a job best suited to you.

How to Avoid Fake Jobs

Do thorough research. Investigate the company online, and check the job postings with the company’s job board on their website.
Use verified job websites. CLAC Jobs, Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Monster, and ZipRecruiter are safe ways to find jobs.
Be wary of unsolicited offers. Unsolicited jobs with high salaries or minimal requirements are often scams.
Use common sense. If a job sounds too good to be true, it often is.
Protect your personal information. Never provide sensitive information including bank account details or personal identification until you have verified the employer is legitimate.

Beware of Fake Job Postings

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