Recruitment scams surge using cloned websites and social media

Cybersecurity authorities and experts are warning of a rise in sophisticated recruitment scams targeting jobseekers via SMS, WhatsApp, and social media platforms.

In Ghana, the Cyber Security Authority reported that criminals are using advanced tactics, such as cloning government websites and impersonating senior officials, to create a false sense of legitimacy. These fraudulent schemes often advertise attractive employment opportunities to individuals who have not applied for any position. Victims may be tricked into submitting sensitive identity documents and banking information, which can lead to identity theft and unauthorized financial transactions.

Similarly, reports from the UK and Ireland highlight a trend of fraudulent job offers arriving through calls and WhatsApp messages. Scammers often use ordinary-looking local mobile numbers, which can be spoofed to appear legitimate. Experts note that these scams exploit the current difficulty in finding secure employment. While answering a call does not automatically compromise a device, it confirms to scammers that a number is active, often leading to increased targeting.