If you’re searching for a job in Singapore, you’re not alone in facing online scams. A new survey by recruitment firm Reeracoen Singapore and Rakuten Insight Global reveals that 35% of job seekers in Singapore have encountered job scams within the last year. Alarmingly, more than half of those affected were targeted multiple times.
According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), job scams were the second-most-reported type of scam in the first half of 2024. By the end of June, 5,717 cases had been reported, with victims losing at least S$86 million. This sharp rise highlights how serious the problem has become.
Scammers use a wide variety of tricks to lure victims. One common method is posting fake job adverts on legitimate job portals. Others include impersonating recruiters through apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, or creating fake company websites and emails that closely resemble real ones.
The SPF confirms that many victims are contacted on social media platforms such as Instagram or Facebook, where they are offered appealing job opportunities. These offers often involve easy tasks or high salaries, making them seem too good to miss.
Scammers now use real platforms and AI to appear more convincing
It’s becoming harder to tell what’s real and what’s not. Many scammers now use real platforms that most people trust. This includes well-known job sites and official-looking company pages. Some even copy a company’s branding to create fake websites.
The use of artificial intelligence is also growing among scammers. AI allows them to create fake recruiter profiles, write convincing messages, and develop job ads that look genuine. As a result, tech-savvy job seekers are often their main targets.
Reeracoen Singapore notes that scams often involve unusually high pay for simple tasks or roles with almost no requirements. Many victims are also asked to share personal information or pay upfront fees during the so-called job process. These are clear signs that something might be wrong.
Despite the rising threat, only one in five job seekers said they would be willing to pay for extra protection from scams. Most people believe that safety features should be built into their platform, not offered as a separate paid service.
The survey also found that 79% of job seekers are concerned about job scams. Around 40% said they have lost trust in online recruitment platforms and agencies due to these negative experiences.
What can be done to protect job seekers online?
The Reeracoen report offers several suggestions for improving online job safety. It recommends that job seekers remain cautious and always verify the identity of any recruiter they speak to. Checking profiles on LinkedIn or through official company websites can help confirm whether someone is genuine.
If you’re offered a job that requires you to pay upfront or hand over personal details immediately, it’s best to walk away. These are major warning signs that you could be dealing with a scammer. Suspicious activity should always be reported to the job portal or relevant authorities.
The report suggests adding stronger safeguards for job platforms and companies. This includes using verification badges to prove recruiters’ identities and AI tools to detect and block suspicious listings. To strengthen enforcement, closer partnerships with regulatory bodies such as the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) are also recommended.
Public education is another important tool in the fight against scams. Awareness campaigns can help job seekers spot red flags early and know how to respond if they think something isn’t right.
With scammers using smarter techniques, everyone involved in the hiring process—job seekers, employers, and recruitment platforms—must work together to keep the job market safe.
