TL;DR
Fraudulent job posts in the UK have tripled since 2024. AI made the scams convincing enough to fool experienced engineers. Here are the 5 specific warning signs that separate real opportunities from misleading or fraudulent ones.
The 5 signs
1. The job description reads like generic AI output
Lots of buzzwords, no specifics, no company personality, requirements that span 4 different roles. "Dynamic team, fast-paced environment, wear many hats" with no concrete examples. AI-generated job ads all share this fingerprint.
2. The recruiter cannot answer specifics
The 4 questions every legitimate recruiter should be able to answer:
- Why is this role open right now?
- What does success in the first 6 months look like?
- Who is the hiring manager, what is their style?
- What is the team size and structure?
If they dodge all four, they have never spoken to this client.
3. The salary range is suspiciously wide or absent
| What you see | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| "Competitive salary" | Below market |
| £35k to £85k (50k spread) | Not decided what level |
| £45k to £55k | Honest range |
| "Up to £X" with no floor | The X is for unicorns |
| No mention | Fishing exercise |
4. The interview process is too easy or too quick
If they are not evaluating you carefully, one of three things: the role is harder to fill than advertised (high churn), the company is desperate (red flag), or the role is not what was advertised (catfishing).
5. They ask for money, documents, or unusual details upfront
Legitimate UK employers never charge candidates. Never need bank details before an offer. Never need passport before an offer for a generic role. Never communicate exclusively over WhatsApp or Telegram.
Verification in 30 seconds
One phone call to the company switchboard kills 95% of scams. Companies House registration check kills another 4%.
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