Press Release
Fraudulent remote opportunities, fake recruiters, and phony companies are the most common attributes of suspicious ads candidates encounter while searching for work online
Frederick, Maryland – Oct. 20, 2026 – A new iHire survey found that nearly 4 in 10 job seekers (38.7%) have encountered what they believed was a fake, fraudulent, or scam job posting while searching for work online, underscoring ongoing concerns about trust and authenticity in their digital job search.
Meanwhile, 38.1% of the 683 job seekers surveyed said they had not encountered a fraudulent posting, while nearly a quarter (24.2%) were unsure – suggesting that job scams can be difficult for candidates to recognize.
When asked what types of suspicious job postings they had encountered, respondents reported a wide range of experiences. Fake remote work opportunities (11.1%) were the most commonly cited, followed closely by fake recruiters or hiring managers (10.6%), fake companies (10.4%), and positions that were already filled or never actually open – often referred to as “ghost jobs” (10.3%).
Other red flags included jobs asking candidates for upfront payments or fees (9.8%), requests for sensitive personal information (9.6%), postings advertising unrealistic salaries or benefits (9.2%), and listings with vague or missing job descriptions (8.6%).
“It’s critical for candidates to know the warning signs of job search fraud and for recruiting platforms and employers to prioritize trust, transparency, and security,” said Steve Flook, iHire’s President and CEO. “Job seekers should be able to pursue new career opportunities without questioning whether a posting, employer, or recruiter is legitimate. Unfortunately, bad actors are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and AI is making it easier to generate fake materials at scale.
iHire’s survey findings echo the data found in its 2026 State of Online Recruiting Report, pointing to a widening trust gap in the modern hiring landscape. Of the 1,054 job seekers surveyed for the report:
- 39.3% said fake, fraudulent, or “ghost” jobs are among their biggest job search challenges.
- 42.8% are frustrated by the difficulty of determining whether a job or employer on a recruiting platform is legitimate.
“While not every questionable job posting is an intentional scam, candidates should approach opportunities with caution when something doesn’t seem right,” Flook continued. “Before applying, research the employer, verify that the position appears on the company’s official website or a reputable employment platform, and be wary of anyone asking for money or sensitive information. Employers can do their part by keeping job postings accurate and current, clearly identifying their organization, and communicating consistently with applicants.”
A full breakdown of survey responses is as follows:
Have you ever encountered what you believed was a fake, fraudulent, or scam job posting while searching for work online?
- Yes – 38.7%
- No – 38.1%
- Unsure – 24.2%
What types of suspicious job postings have you encountered? (Select all that apply.)
- Fake remote work opportunities – 11.1%
- Fake recruiter/hiring manager – 10.6%
- Fake company – 10.4%
- Positions that were already filled or never actually open (“ghost jobs”) – 10.3%
- Jobs asking for upfront payments or fees – 9.8%
- Requests for sensitive personal information – 9.6%
- Jobs with unrealistic salaries or benefits – 9.2%
- Jobs with vague or missing job descriptions – 8.6%
- Other – 3.3%
- None of these – 14.8%
- No response – 2.4%
Protecting job seekers is a top priority for iHire. In fact, the platform has a dedicated team that works to prevent fraudulent and misleading job postings by investigating suspicious activity, reviewing jobs reported by users, and taking appropriate action, including removing fraudulent listings. iHire also leverages technology to proactively flag and block suspicious keywords, company names, and URLs to keep candidates safe.
Learn more about the survey by visiting iHire’s Resource Center, and access additional statistics on today’s job search landscape by checking out iHire’s 2026 State of Online Recruiting Report.
Research Methodology
iHire polled active job seeker users on its platform from 57 industries across the U.S. in August and September 2026. 683 people responded to the survey. Percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
About iHire
iHire is a leading employment platform that powers a family of 57 industry-focused talent networks, including WorkInSports, iHireVeterinary, iHireDental, iHireConstruction, and iHireChefs. For more than 25 years, iHire has combined advanced job matching technology with our expertise in the talent acquisition space to connect job seekers with employers in their desired sector. With an industry-specific, candidate-centric, and data-driven approach to recruitment, iHire helps candidates find meaningful work and employers find unique, high-quality talent – faster, easier, and more effectively than a general job board. Visit www.iHire.com for more information.
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