Dapo, a young IT professional in Lagos, was scrolling through his inbox last week when he saw a welcome email from a company he had never heard of or applied to work for. The email congratulated him on joining the company and provided a link to a company portal, complete with login credentials. For a moment, he almost clicked the link. But then it suddenly dawned on him that he had never applied for the job, nor had he received an offer letter. Sensing something was off, Dapo decided to investigate. His curiosity led him to speak with friends and colleagues, and soon he started hearing chilling stories about people who had fallen victim to similar scams and ended up losing access to their bank accounts/money, social media profiles, and personal data.
This is a classic case of an onboarding scam, and a surprisingly large number of people are falling victim to it daily. So, beware!
What Fake Job and Onboarding Scams Look Like
Fake job offers and onboarding scams are a form of phishing that preys on job seekers’ hopes and ambitions. Unlike traditional phishing emails that may simply ask for login credentials, these scams simulate an entire employment process. Scammers send unsolicited emails welcoming the victim to a company and providing login credentials to an official-looking portal. Once the victim logs in, they are prompted to complete their employee profile, often including sensitive information such as national ID numbers, bank account details, and even passport photos.
Some scams go even further, sending fake offer letters with lucrative salaries, claiming the recipient applied months ago, or asking for payment for training materials or equipment. In certain cases, they even conduct fake background checks or schedule fraudulent interviews over Zoom just to give the illusion of credibility.
Why Anyone Online Is Susceptible
The reason these scams are so effective is psychological. They exploit both trust and urgency. Job seekers are often eager and emotionally invested, making them more likely to overlook warning signs. Additionally, scammers frequently impersonate legitimate companies, complete with logos, addresses, and professional-looking websites, making it difficult to distinguish real from fake.
The tactics also take advantage of our digital habits. Many people have become accustomed to interacting with online portals for banking, applications, and work-related software. Introducing a new portal with a plausible reason, like onboarding to a company, feels familiar and safe, even when it isn’t.
How to Detect the Scam
Recognising fake job and onboarding emails involves several strategies. First, examine whether the email comes from an official company domain. Scammers often use domains that look similar to legitimate ones. Look for subtle changes, like extra characters or misspelt words. Check if the company you supposedly applied to actually contacted you previously. If there’s no formal interview, offer letter, or direct HR contact, treat the email with suspicion.
Pay attention to the content of the email. Generic greetings, vague role descriptions, and unsolicited login credentials are red flags. Reputable companies do not onboard employees without signed offers and formal confirmation.
For more tips on identifying phishing scams, the cybersecurity siteNorton provides detailed guidance. Additionally, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offers resources for spotting and reporting online scams.
How to Avoid Getting Scammed
Prevention is always better than remediation. Never click on links in emails you were not expecting, even if they appear official. If an email claims you were hired, independently verify the information by contacting the company through official channels found on their website. Do not use any phone numbers or email addresses provided in the suspicious email.
Avoid providing personal information unless you are certain of the recipient’s identity. Even seemingly harmless details can be used for identity theft. Consider using multi-factor authentication on all your accounts, and monitor bank accounts and credit reports regularly for unusual activity.
Finally, educate yourself about the latest scam trends. Scammers constantly evolve their tactics. Trusted sources like Europol and Interpol regularly publish updates and alerts about emerging cyber threats.
Learn from Dapo’s Experience
Dapo’s caution prevented him from becoming another statistic. By questioning the legitimacy of the email, he avoided the potential fallout that many others have experienced. His investigation revealed that many victims only realised they had been scammed after losing access to bank accounts or social media profiles, sometimes with devastating financial and personal consequences.
In the digital age, vigilance is paramount. While technology enables new ways of working and connecting, it also opens doors for criminals to exploit trust. Job seekers must approach unsolicited emails with scepticism, verify sources independently, and prioritise personal data security.
Fake onboarding scams may look polished and professional, but the underlying goal is always the same: to harvest sensitive information. The lesson here is never let urgency or excitement override caution. Taking a moment to verify and question can save not only your personal information but also your financial and digital well-being.
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