According to the newest research by NordLayer, a network security solution for businesses, LinkedIn is the go-to place for professional scams. The investigation revealed the most prominent schemes on how criminals get sensitive information about companies and their employees and gain money or even get employees to leave their companies. Fake job offers, phishing attacks, connection requests, messages with suspicious links, and phony tech support are the most common techniques used.

Carlos Salas, a cybersecurity expert at NordLayer, says: “Social media platforms, including LinkedIn, have seen significant growth in user numbers and engagement over the years. With more people joining and using these platforms, scammers have a larger pool of potential victims.”

More than half of businesses in the UK had their brands impersonated

By understanding the evolving landscape of LinkedIn scams, job seekers and employers can take proactive measures to safeguard their personal and professional information. According to the research, one of the most common ways scammers fool people is by falsely using a company's name. Half of the companies in the UK confirmed that someone was using the organization’s brand name to profit.

Salas explains the logic: “LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, and users often trust interactions with legitimate companies and organizations. By using a well-known or reputable company name, scammers can gain the trust of potential victims more quickly.”

He also adds: “Always check for the company details such as the company name, logo, and other information to match what the individual or company claims. Look for discrepancies or inconsistencies.”

What are the most prominent LinkedIn scam tactics among UK businesses?

As professionals increasingly rely on LinkedIn for career advancement and networking purposes, it is crucial to be aware of the various scam tactics employed by cybercriminals. These scams range from phishing attacks aimed at stealing personal information such as login credentials or financial data to more sophisticated schemes involving identity theft.

Salas from NordLayer overviews the most popular scam tactics among UK businesses:

Phishing messages

Scammers may send messages pretending to be a recruiter, potential employer, or business partner, asking their victim to click on a malicious link or download an attachment. These links may lead to fake login pages or malware-infected files. Up to 47% of people in the UK experienced that.

Fake job offers

Scammers might create fake job postings that seem attractive to job seekers. When applicants show interest, they may ask for personal information, bank details, or an upfront payment for job processing or training. Up to 63% of Brits experienced such scams.

Malicious attachments and links

Scammers may send seemingly harmless documents or files that contain malware or ransomware. These attachments could exploit vulnerabilities in your computer or Network, leading to data breaches or financial losses. People can also face a request to connect from an unknown person with a suspicious link in the message. Nearly 37% of people confirmed that they received something like that.

Invitation to participate in a fake survey

Scammers might create fake surveys, quizzes, or contests to collect personal data from unsuspecting users. Nearly 18% of scams account for that.