Is this job a scam?

Do you think this is job is a scam? Is it too good to be true? The answer in many cases is yes. Below are some tips to protect you from fraudulent job postings or recruitment efforts:

1. You’re contacted with a non‑business email address.

Many scams start with an email that looks legitimate, then move you to a personal or encrypted platform (such as Gmail, WhatsApp, Telegram, or text message).

While not all web‑based emails are scams, legitimate employers typically use official organization email addresses. Be aware that any email address (including ones that appear to come from legitimate or university affiliated domains) can be spoofed, hacked, or impersonated. Never share banking information or personal details based on email alone.

2. You’re sent a phishing or fake job email.

These emails may appear to come from a real person, professor, employer, or organization. They often include links or attachments asking for personal information or directing you to a fake application page. Always:

• Check links carefully before clicking
• Avoid entering personal information unless you are 100% sure the source is legitimate

Be cautious of QR codes advertising jobs; instead type the website address yourself and/or make sure the source is legitimate. (Examples of legitimacy include that the information came from a Carleton department or you met the employer rep in person at a networking event on campus).

3. You’re offered a job on the spot.

Legitimate employers do not hire candidates without a real interview process. Interviews may be:

• In person
• By phone
• By live video (Zoom, MS Teams, etc.)

No one is legitimately hired by email, text, or chat alone because employers want to speak with you live to assess fit and qualifications. Be especially cautious if the “interview” is only:

• Text‑based
• Asynchronous (pre‑written questions only)
• Extremely short and scripted

This applies even to remote or international roles.

4. The business does not clearly identify itself.

A legitimate employer will clearly state:

• The organization’s name
• The role and responsibilities
• How to learn more (official website or contact information)

Do not provide information to individuals soliciting resumes or personal details in hallways, tunnels, or on campus unless they clearly represent a university‑affiliated group or an employer with a booth/session booked through a Carleton department.

5. You’re asked to wire money, deposit a cheque, or forward funds.

If you are asked to:

• Provide banking information upfront
• Receive or deposit money before doing any work
• Send funds to a “supplier,” “client,” or third party

…this is a scam.

Often, the cheque or transfer will later bounce, leaving you responsible for the lost money. Legitimate employers never operate this way.

6. You’re contacted at odd hours or the “employer” is vague about location.

Scammers often operate in different time zones and may claim:

• They are travelling
• They are working internationally
• They are unavailable for live communication

While global work is common, employers should still be transparent and reachable.

7. No experience is required for work that should require experience.

Be cautious if you’re offered responsibility for:

• Handling money
• Financial transactions
• Managing operations
• Purchasing or shipping goods

…without any relevant background or training.

8. You’re asked for personal, financial, or identity information.

Never share:

• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Banking or credit card information
• Copies of government ID
• Photos, videos, or voice recordings “for verification”

…before a legitimate interview process and formal written job offer.

Some scams exist solely to collect personal data for identity theft, even if they never ask for money.

9. Things don’t add up when you research the employer.

Scammers may use real organizations’ names, logos, or job descriptions copied from legitimate organizations. Always:

• Check the organization’s official website
• Look for verified LinkedIn or Glassdoor presence
• Contact the organization using contact info listed on their real website (not what’s provided in the email)

If the organization has little or no online footprint, that’s a red flag to look into.

Ways to Protect Yourself from Scams

• Use trusted job boards, such as mySuccess, LinkedIn, Indeed, and government or employer websites. No platform is scam‑proof, but reputable boards reduce risk.
• Search the job and employer online. Copy and paste the job title, description, and organization into a search engine to see if others have reported concerns.
• Look for inconsistencies, not just grammar mistakes. AI has made scam messages more polished. Focus on vague details, pressure tactics, or requests that don’t make sense.
• Ask for a second opinion. If something feels off, talk to Career Services, a professor, advisor, or trusted friend before responding.
• Don’t be rushed. Scammers create urgency to limit your ability to think critically. Legitimate employers give you time.
• Report suspicious activity. If the job is on the mySuccess Job Board, please report it to Career Services. If it’s on another platform, report it directly to that site.

If something feels off, the best thing to do is pause and verify.

For more examples of employment scams, visit the Government of Canada’s Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre and familiarize yourself with Job and Employment Scams.