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Spam vs. Scam: Spotting the Difference

Have you ever come across a suspicious job post or reported content on Indeed? You might wonder if it’s spam or a scam. Knowing the difference can help you protect yourself and others. In this article, we’ll explain how to recognize spam and scams, and the steps to take if you encounter them.

Spam or scam?

Spam

  • Irrelevant or unwanted posts or messaging
  • No intent to steal information
  • Annoying but not harmful

Examples

  • Bulk marketing messaging
  • Low-quality employment opportunities
  • Generic job listings with no clear role or requirements

Scam

  • Misleading or fake job postings
  • Designed to steal personal, financial, or sensitive information

Examples

  • Intrusive questions about personal or financial information
  • Requests for upfront payments or sensitive details
  • Job postings that are “too good to be true”

Next steps

  • Report the job or the message
  • Follow our guidelines for a safe job search
  • Find out how to verify suspicious employer communication
  • Have you received text messages or phone calls claiming to be Indeed? It might be a scam
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Spam vs. Scam: Spotting the Difference