Warning of LinkedIn fraud: Bengaluru professional offered money to rent account, this is how a fraudulent scheme developed
In a shocking incident, a Bengaluru-based professional has been duped into handing over his money to a fraudulent scheme, which originated from a seemingly legitimate LinkedIn connection. The incident serves as a stern warning to professionals on the platform to be vigilant and cautious when engaging with new connections.
According to sources, the victim, a 34-year-old marketing executive, had recently joined a popular LinkedIn group discussing job opportunities in the industrial sector. His post attracted the attention of a self-proclaimed "recruiter" who introduced himself as a representative of a prominent human resources firm, offering a lucrative job in Bengaluru. The "recruiter" shared a job description, which seemed too good to be true, and requested the victim to deposit an advance payment for the processing fee.
Before proceeding, the victim verified the company’s profile on LinkedIn, which had an impressive list of clients and a strong online presence. He also spoke to a few trusted acquaintances who had also received similar job offers from the same company. This apparent validation further convinced him to go ahead with the payment.
The transaction was done through a popular digital payment platform, and the victim received an email from the "recruiter" confirming the payment. However, the story took a drastic turn when the victim realized that the company’s website was a mere Google site, and all contact information provided was fake. The company’s LinkedIn profile was also later found to be a fake, created solely for the purpose of scamming job seekers.
The victim is now left with a substantial loss and a harsh lesson to learn. "I was so convinced by the whole process that I didn’t think twice before paying the advance," he said in a recent interview. "I hope no one else falls prey to this scam."
Experts warn that this is not an isolated incident and that LinkedIn is vulnerable to fraudulent activities. "Scammers take advantage of the professional networking platform to target professionals, particularly in the job market," said a cybersecurity expert. "They use sophisticated techniques to create fake profiles, making it difficult for users to identify the authenticity of the accounts."
To avoid falling prey to such scams, LinkedIn users are advised to take the following precautions:
Verify company profiles: Check if the company’s website, social media, and online presence are genuine. Be cautious of companies with generic or incomplete profiles.
Research the recruiter: Verify the recruiter’s authenticity by checking their LinkedIn profile, and searching for any red flags such as fake posts or unprofessional behavior.
Be wary of job offers that sound too good to be true: If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is. Be cautious of job offers that require advance payment for processing fees, application fees, or other purposes.
Use two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your LinkedIn account to add an extra layer of security.
- Report suspicious activity: If you suspect a fake profile or suspicious activity, report it to LinkedIn and the relevant authorities.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of online vigilance and the need for professionals to stay informed about potential scams. With the rise of digital transactions, it’s crucial to prioritize security and trust your instincts when engaging with new connections online.
