I almost fell for an AI job scam because the usual red flags weren't there. Here's how I caught it.
A data professional shares his experience nearly falling for a highly sophisticated AI-driven job scam. The scammer used stolen LinkedIn credentials and personalized job details to bypass traditional red flags.
Why it matters
As AI tools become more accessible, job seekers face increasingly convincing fraudulent schemes that mimic legitimate professional interactions.
Photo courtesy of Daniel Harnack Daniel Harnack nearly fell for a personalized AI job scam that used stolen LinkedIn information. He said AI tools are enabling scammers to create highly tailored and convincing fake job offers. Harnack advises other job seekers to be wary of scams and avoid sharing financial information. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Daniel Harnack, a data analytics professional. It has been edited for length and clarity. About a month ago, I was almost tricked into falling for an elaborate AI scam . A scammer stole a recruiter's LinkedIn picture, linked to her profile, and created a fake email address for her so they could send me a job listing created with the help of AI. The role was perfectly tailored to my experience, and it sounded like a dream job .
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