Job Scams: Protect Yourself During Layoff Times

Layoff times are particularly precarious for those affected, as scammers worldwide take advantage of the situation. Fraudsters increasingly target job seekers using clever tactics aimed at stealing money or personal information.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Nick Russell, who was laid off from Epic Games last month. This downsizing impacted over 1000 employees, many of whom are now actively looking for new job opportunities, inadvertently making them more visible and vulnerable to sophisticated recruitment scams.

Russell shared a LinkedIn post about his job search and soon received numerous emails regarding job offers. One email presented him with a senior position at Blizzard Entertainment that matched his gaming experience.

Also read: Tech layoffs 2026: Over 71,000 jobs lost as companies emphasise AI

After conducting some research, Russell found that the job was legitimate, but he later realised the recruiter was a scammer after noticing inconsistencies. A crucial method of identifying a scam is to verify the email address, which often does not match the official domain of the company.

In another case, a scammer impersonated a legitimate recruiter and recycled truths before ultimately requesting money. Thus, while signals such as layoff posts and #OpenToWork tags enhance visibility to recruiters, they simultaneously expose job seekers, making them an easier target for scams.

The report further indicates that scammers are growing increasingly convincing by posing as authentic recruiters. They have begun to steal real recruiters’ identities, utilizing actual resumes, valid job openings, and links to genuine LinkedIn profiles. Sarah Englade, a recruiter based in Houston, mentioned to WSJ that she has been impersonated multiple times.

Also read: Tech layoffs 2026: ‘Don’t give even…,’ advises tech worker who survived 30,000 job cuts at Oracle

How to Identify Scammers

Check the Email Domain

Always verify the sender’s email address. It should align with the company’s official domain (e.g., name@company.com).

Be Wary of Payment Requests

If a recruiter asks for payment for services like “resume revisions,” “training fees,” or “background checks,” it is almost certainly a scam.

Watch for Unusual Explanations

If a recruiter provides prepared, believable justifications for strange behaviour, approach such explanations with suspicion.

Exercise Caution with Job Postings

While the #OpenToWork tag increases reach, it also elevates the risk of falling victim to scams.