The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) has reported a concerning increase in employment-related scams affecting individuals across our region. These fraudulent campaigns are targeting job seekers via emails, text messages (SMiShing), WhatsApp, Telegram, and even through reputable employment websites and social media platforms. Legitimate employers and recruitment agencies do not typically conduct hiring processes via these platforms or request sensitive information through them.

Threat actors are impersonating recruiters from trusted companies, often using free email services such as Gmail, Hotmail, and iCloud to send messages directly to unsuspecting individuals. These communications are carefully crafted to advertise enticing job opportunities featuring Remote work flexibility, Paid time off and health benefits, Retirement plans and bonuses or Free training and potential daily pay. In a bid to lure victims, scammers create a false sense of urgency with statements like “only 5 spots available,” urging quick replies and requesting applicants to switch conversations to chat platforms.

To help protect your business, employees, and broader community, we urge you to follow and share these best practices:

• Do not click links or download attachments from unknown senders. Exercise caution even with messages from known contacts if the content seems suspicious.
• Verify job offers by contacting the employer’s HR department using official contact information found on their website.
• Access job listings directly by typing web addresses into your browser, rather than clicking links in messages.
• Research employers online to check for scam reports or suspicious activity.
• Report incidents to NJCCIC, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
• Notify affected platforms or employers if a fraudulent listing is discovered.
• If PII (personally identifiable information) may be compromised, alert local law enforcement and refer to the NJCCIC Identity Theft & Compromised PII Report for guidance.

The Southern Ocean Chamber strongly encourages our member businesses to share this advisory with staff, job applicants, and professional networks. As always, we are thankful for our partnership with the NJCCIC in sharing resources and best practices. For further information, please visit their official site.