Job Scams Surge Globally Amid AI, Economic Uncertainty

Job scams have surged worldwide, with U.S. consumers losing an estimated $470 million to text-based scams in 2024, making job offer-related scams the second most common after fake package delivery schemes. Authorities, including the Federal Trade Commission and Better Business Bureau, warn that scammers are employing advanced tactics, such as AI-generated offers, to target vulnerable groups like recent graduates and extract sensitive personal information. In the Philippines, the Bureau of Fire Protection has alerted the public to fake job postings on social media, emphasizing the need to use official recruitment channels. Experts recommend thorough research, employer verification, and the use of resources like the BBB’s Scam Tracker to avoid falling victim. Economic uncertainty and rising demand for remote work are expected to fuel further increases in job-related fraud. The situation highlights the critical importance of vigilance and due diligence for job seekers globally.