LinkedIn scams
Last updated September 18, 2026
The short answer
LinkedIn scams involve fake job offers that require upfront payments, fake recruiter profiles harvesting personal information, and phishing messages disguised as professional opportunities. Legitimate employers never ask you to pay for training, equipment, or background checks before starting a job.
LinkedIn's professional environment creates a false sense of security that scammers exploit. Fake recruiters, bogus job postings, and business opportunity scams thrive because people expect professional contacts and opportunities on the platform. The detailed career information on LinkedIn profiles also makes users vulnerable to highly targeted phishing.
How LinkedIn scams work
- 1
Fake job offer
A "recruiter" contacts you about a high-paying remote position. After a brief text-based "interview" (often on WhatsApp or Telegram, not a video call), you're offered the job. Before you can start, you need to pay for training materials, a background check, or equipment that never arrives.
- 2
Credential harvesting via fake profiles
A professional-looking profile connects with you and sends a link to "view a document" or "see who viewed your profile." The link leads to a fake LinkedIn login page that captures your credentials.
- 3
Business email compromise setup
Scammers use LinkedIn to research company org charts and employee roles. They then send targeted phishing emails impersonating executives to trick employees into wiring money or sharing sensitive data.
- 4
Crypto and investment pitches
A connection starts a professional conversation and gradually steers it toward cryptocurrency or investment opportunities. They share screenshots of profits and direct you to deposit money on a fraudulent trading platform.
Warning signs
- A recruiter offers a high-paying job after a text-only interview with no video call
- You're asked to pay for training, equipment, or a background check before starting a job
- A connection sends you a link to "view a document" that requires you to log in again
- The job posting has vague descriptions and an unrealistically high salary
- The recruiter's profile was recently created and has few connections
- A professional contact pivots the conversation to cryptocurrency or investment opportunities
Examples
Fake remote data entry job
A recruiter contacts you about a $75/hour remote data entry position. After a quick chat interview, you're "hired." They send you a check for $3,500 to buy equipment from a specific vendor. The check bounces after you've sent the money to the "vendor" (the scammer).
LinkedIn phishing email
You receive an email that looks like a LinkedIn notification: "You appeared in 12 searches this week." The "See all searches" button leads to a fake LinkedIn login page. After entering your credentials, the scammer accesses your account and contacts.
What to do
- Never pay money to get a job. Legitimate employers don't charge employees for training, equipment, or background checks.
- Verify recruiters by checking their profile history, connections, and the company's actual careers page.
- Don't click links in LinkedIn messages or emails. Go directly to linkedin.com to check notifications.
- Report fake profiles and scam job postings using LinkedIn's reporting tools.
- If you shared credentials, change your LinkedIn password immediately and enable two-factor authentication.
Report it to LinkedIn
Report the profile or message in-app. LinkedIn removes fake recruiter accounts quickly once reported.
Getting your money back
If you paid money for a fake job, contact your bank immediately. You may be able to reverse the transaction if reported quickly. If you shared personal information like your SSN for a "background check," place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus and monitor for identity theft. Report the scam to the FTC and LinkedIn.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if a LinkedIn recruiter is fake?
Red flags include recently created profiles with few connections, no verifiable work history, text-only interviews (never video), job offers without a formal application process, and any request for upfront payment. Check the company's official website to see if the position exists.
Is it safe to accept connection requests from strangers on LinkedIn?
Be selective. Scammers build large networks to appear legitimate. Check the profile's creation date, mutual connections, work history, and activity. If a new connection immediately pitches a job or investment opportunity, proceed with caution.
Other companies scammers impersonate
Scams reuse their scripts across brands. If you were contacted about LinkedIn, these are the guides worth reading next.