The rise of LinkedIn profile scams - and how to counter them.

LinkedIn scams are not new, but they have become increasingly sophisticated and frequent. Scammers often create fake profiles by copying content from legitimate professionals and using images found on the web. These profiles appear authentic, complete with glowing endorsements, professional photos, and seemingly credible career advice.

Once these fake profiles are established, scammers begin targeting vulnerable users—typically those actively seeking employment or career advice. The scam typically unfolds in the following stages:

1. Connection Request: The scammer sends a connection request, posing as a reputable career coach, recruiter, or resume writer.

2. Engagement: After the connection is accepted, the scammer engages the victim, offering services such as resume reviews, interview coaching, or job placement assistance.

3. Monetary Fraud: The scammer requests payment for these services, often promising guaranteed results. Once payment is made, the scammer disappears, leaving the victim without the promised service.

4. Information Theft: In some cases, scammers may ask for personal information under the guise of needing it for job applications or assessments. This information can then be used for identity theft or sold on the dark web.

The consequences of LinkedIn profile scams can be severe. Here are some of the primary risks:

1. Financial Loss: Victims may pay for services that are never delivered. These payments are often non-refundable, leaving individuals financially harmed.

2. Identity Theft: By providing personal information to scammers, victims risk having their identities stolen, which can lead to fraudulent activities carried out in their name.

3. Damage to Reputation: Engaging with fraudulent accounts can also harm a victim's professional reputation, especially if they inadvertently share or endorse content from these fake profiles.

4. Emotional Distress: Being scammed can lead to feelings of betrayal, stress, and anxiety, particularly for individuals already in a vulnerable state due to job loss or career uncertainty.

While LinkedIn is actively working to combat these scams, users must also take proactive steps to protect themselves. Here are some strategies to defend against these threats:

1. Verify Before You Connect: Before accepting a connection request, take a moment to verify the person's profile. Look for inconsistencies, such as a low number of connections, generic photos, or a lack of detailed work history. Check for mutual connections and, if possible, reach out to them to verify the authenticity of the profile.

2. Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious of unsolicited offers for career services, particularly if they promise guaranteed results. Legitimate professionals rarely make such guarantees, and credible services usually require thorough discussions and contracts.

3. Research the Individual: Conduct an online search of the person's name and business. Look for reviews, testimonials, or any online presence that confirms their legitimacy. Be cautious if the individual has little to no digital footprint outside of LinkedIn.

4. Use LinkedIn’s Reporting Tools: If you suspect a profile is fake, report it to LinkedIn immediately. The platform provides tools for reporting suspicious activity, and quick action can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.

5. Protect Personal Information: Never share sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number, home address, or financial details, through LinkedIn. Legitimate recruiters and career coaches do not need this information upfront.

6. Check for Professional Endorsements: Authentic professionals often have detailed endorsements and recommendations from real people. Be wary of profiles with generic endorsements or those that seem out of place.

7. Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest scam tactics and share this knowledge with your network. Awareness is one of the most powerful tools against social engineering.

8. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Secure your LinkedIn account with two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security, making it more difficult for scammers to gain unauthorized access to your account.

As LinkedIn continues to grow as a platform for professional networking, it also remains a target for scammers looking to exploit users through social engineering. By being vigilant, conducting thorough research, and utilizing the platform’s security tools, LinkedIn users can better protect themselves from these increasingly sophisticated scams. Remember, if something seems too good to be true—especially in the realm of job searching and career coaching—it probably is. Always verify before you connect, and stay informed to defend against these evolving threats.

Companies and their staff should benefit from cybersecurity training being part of the company culture, and certainly also during new employee on-boarding. This will contribute in keeping sensitive data and social media profiles safer.