In 2022, the BBC published a shocking report on Madbird, an up-and-coming design agency founded by social media influencer Ali Ayad. Unfortunately, no such company existed, and the whole concept was used as a “jobfishing” scam to lure people into working for him for no payment and with the promise of earning money on a commission basis.
Ayad managed to conjure up fake employees to appear on Zoom calls and even listed employees on the website who not only did not work for the company, but didn’t even exist. He used photos from the internet and random people’s profile pictures to aid in his scam. Everything from the company’s headquarters, white papers, and pitch documents were completely fabricated.
The Madbird uncovering is a stark reminder of how easily even savvy professionals can fall victim to scams in today’s remote work environment. The term “jobfishing” might be new, but the concept isn’t. Scammers create fake job opportunities or companies to trick people into working for free, sharing personal information, or even paying for training or equipment.
Individuals looking for a new job and businesses landing a new client must learn to spot jobfishing, especially now that scams like Madbird are spreading globally.
LinkedIn is the go-to place for these types of scams. With over 900 million users worldwide, LinkedIn is a goldmine for job seekers and scammers too. In 2022 alone, LinkedIn removed over 32 million fake accounts. Even the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued warnings about the significant threat of these scammers.
So, how can you protect yourself from falling into a similar trap? Here are a few things to watch out for:
Offers That Seem Too Good To Be True
If a job promises big money for little effort, it’s likely a scam. Real job opportunities focus on fair compensation, including salary and benefits — not quick riches for minimal work.
Urgency
Scammers often push you to act fast. Real employers, on the other hand, take their time to vet candidates thoroughly. If you’re being rushed, that’s a red flag.
Quick Success
Did you get the job without an interview, reference check, or any formal process? That’s a major warning sign. Legitimate employers want to ensure you’re the right fit and typically have several rounds of interviews.
Questionable URLs & Company Websites
Scammers often create fake websites that closely mimic real company sites, with only slight differences in spelling or punctuation. For example, instead of realcompany.com, you might see real-company.com or realco.com. Always double-check that you’re on the official company site before proceeding.
Lack of Information About The Recruiter or Company
If a recruiter contacts you with an enticing job offer, but you can’t find much information about them, the company, or the job itself, take caution. Do some digging. Often, a quick search can reveal whether the opportunity is legitimate or if others have reported it as a scam.
Not Disclosing The Company Name
If a recruiter approaches you about a job at a “very big” company but refuses to disclose the company’s name, that’s a red flag. While they might claim it’s to protect their commission, it’s often a way to hide the fact that no real company is behind the offer.
Phishing Links For Job Applications
Scammers might send you a link to apply for a job, but the URL could be a phishing link designed to steal your personal information or financial credentials. Be wary of strange URLs or poorly designed websites. Legitimate recruiters typically use trusted platforms like Glassdoor for applications.
Communicating Only Through Chat
If the entire hiring process is online — especially if there’s no video call or in-person meeting then be cautious. Scammers find it easier to fake a company online, so always ask for a video or in-person interview to verify legitimacy.
Spelling Errors or Bad Grammar
Professional communication is key to any real job offer. If you notice spelling errors or bad grammar in emails or job postings, something might be amiss.
Sending Money or Needing To Pay Upfront
One of the biggest red flags is being asked to pay money to start a job, whether for training, equipment, or anything else. A legitimate employer will never ask you to pay to get hired.
Conclusion
Scams like Madbird are a wake-up call for all of us. As remote work becomes more common, scammers are getting smarter, and job seekers must stay one step ahead. By keeping these warning signs in mind, you can protect yourself from jobfishing and other employment scams. Remember, if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Trust your instincts, do your research, and don’t be afraid to walk away from an offer that seems too good to be true. Your time, talent, and hard-earned money are worth far more than the empty promises of a scammer.
Author: Mark Ollerton
