Protecting Yourself Against Recruiting Scams

Looking for a new job can be an exciting, yet sometimes overwhelming experience. But as you search for opportunities, it’s important to be aware that the job market is not only filled with legitimate listings—there are also scams lurking around every corner. Fake job websites and fraudulent job offers are on the rise, and falling for one of these scams can result in wasted time, money, and even identity theft.

Fortunately, by knowing what to look for and taking a few extra steps, you can easily protect yourself. This guide will walk you through the most common signs of fake job websites and provide practical tips for how to verify Manhattan Associates job offers before you get involved.

Red Flags to Look for in Fake Job Listings

When you’re scrolling through job listings, keep an eye out for these red flags that often signal a scam:

• Too Good to Be True: If a job offers a ridiculously high salary for minimal work or unrealistic promises like “get hired in 24 hours,” be cautious. Scammers prey on your desire for a quick fix and easy money. Real companies take the time to evaluate candidates, and salaries are generally in line with industry standards.
• Vague Job Descriptions: Watch out for listings that provide little to no information about the role itself. A legitimate job description will outline the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations clearly. If the posting is overly vague or lacks specifics, that’s a major red flag.
  
• Unprofessional Website: Look closely at the job website’s design and content. If the website looks hastily thrown together, has many typographical errors, or lacks an "About Us" page or contact information, proceed with caution. Professional companies put effort into their online presence, and a well-designed website is often a sign of legitimacy.
• Urgency Tactics: Scammers often pressure you to act fast. If a job listing is asking for personal information or payment in exchange for "immediate hiring," it’s time to step back. Real companies won’t rush you into anything—especially not before they’ve conducted interviews or checked references.

Manhattan Associates never asks candidates to pay for job applications, training, equipment or background checks. If you receive such a request, it is a scam. Interviews in Asian Pacific Region (APAC) are typically conducted via Microsoft Teams, phone, or in person at our official office locations. If an employer refuses to provide verifiable details about an interview, it’s a red flag. Scammers sometimes create fake recruiter profiles. If someone reaches out about a job at Manhattan Associates, check their profile against our official LinkedIn page to confirm they work for us. Legitimate communications from Manhattan will only use official Manhattan channels and emails. If something seems off, it probably is a scam.

Manhattan does not offer positions where you are required to provide cash or use cryptocurrency to perform a job duty.  If you are ever asked to deposit your own money into an account or transact in cryptocurrency, it’s a scam. Manhattan does not use WhatsApp or other instant messaging apps to communicate with you.  If you receive correspondence from Manhattan through those types of platforms, it’s a scam. If you are presented with information such as a personal letter from our CEO authorizing a new website for our organization, it is a scam.  Manhattan does not use documents with CEO signed messages as a source of authenticity of our web domains.    

How to Verify a Job Website’s Legitimacy

Now that you know the red flags to watch for, here are some simple steps to help you verify whether a job website or listing is legitimate:

• Check the URL: Always make sure the website is secure before submitting personal details. Look for a URL that begins with “https” and displays a padlock symbol in the address bar. If the website doesn’t have this, it could be unsafe.  To verify a Manhattan Associates job posting, check the official Manhattan Associates Career Page. Always visit our official website https://www.manh.com/careers to verify open positions. Genuine job listings are posted there.
• Search for Reviews: Before applying, Google the website or the company. Look for reviews or feedback on trusted sites like Trustpilot, Glassdoor, or Reddit. If there are no reviews, or if most of the reviews are negative, it's a strong indication that the job posting could be a scam.
  
• Verify the Company: Check if the company has a real online presence. Look for the job posting on their official website or LinkedIn profile. Cross-referencing job listings on trusted platforms like LinkedIn can give you peace of mind that you’re not dealing with a fraudulent operation.
• Consult Job Boards: Stick to well-known and reputable job boards such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, or Monster. These platforms have strict guidelines in place to screen for scam listings. If you come across a job posting on an unfamiliar site, be extra cautious. Manhattan uses trusted job boards in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. In Australia you can find Manhattan jobs listed on Seek, LinkedIn Jobs, Indeed Australia and Workforce Australia. In China, job boards with listings include 51job, Zhaopin and Liepin. Manhattan job listings for the Singapore region are on LinkedIn job and mycareers. If you see a listing on an unfamiliar platform please proceed with caution. If you hear about or observe any suspicious hiring activities like Jobs posted in external job boards without Manhattan Associates knowledge - assume it could be a potential scam & report back with correct links/URLs.

Common Scams to Watch Out For

Understanding the types of scams you might encounter is essential to staying safe during your job search. Here are some of the most common:

• Phishing Scams: These scams often take the form of fake job offers that require you to share sensitive personal information like your Social Security number or bank details. Legitimate companies will never ask for this type of information during the hiring process.
• Fake Interviews: Some scammers may arrange phone or video interviews that feel more like a sales pitch than a real conversation. Be wary if the “interview” doesn’t ask relevant questions about your qualifications or if it feels overly scripted. Additionally, if the interviewer avoids answering your questions or gives generic responses, that’s a red flag.
  
• Advance Fee Scams: A classic scam involves asking you to pay upfront for training, background checks, or equipment before you’ve even been hired. No legitimate employer will ask you to pay for these things before you begin work.
• Work-from-Home Scams: The rise of remote work has led to an increase in scams that promise flexible, high-paying work-from-home opportunities. These listings often ask for personal information or require an “initial deposit” for training materials or software. Legitimate remote jobs should never ask for money up front.

What to Do if You Encounter a Fake Job Listing

If you come across a job listing that feels suspicious or turns out to be a scam, here’s what to do:

1. Report It: If you find a scam on a job board, report it immediately. Please notify Manhattan Associates right away. Forward any suspicious emails or documents so we can investigate. Most reputable platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed allow you to flag suspicious listings. By reporting scams, you’re helping protect others in the job-seeking community. If you come across anything that seems fraudulent, please notify Manhattan right away.
   

• Warn Others: Share your experience online to warn others. You can write a review or post about the scam on forums, social media, or websites like Scamwatch or the Better Business Bureau.
• Trust Your Instincts: Above all, trust your gut. If something feels off about a job listing, don’t ignore it. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and keep searching for more reputable opportunities.

Navigating the job search process can feel daunting, especially when you encounter fake job websites or fraudulent offers. However, by staying informed and aware of the common signs of scams, you can protect yourself and avoid wasting time or money on fraudulent opportunities.