Indeed’s latest report states that 93% of Indian employees and job seekers have come across suspicious or fraudulent job opportunities, while 51% say they are not confident in distinguishing between a genuine recruiter and a scammer.As recruitment scams become more sophisticated, candidates are becoming increasingly cautious about who they engage with and which opportunities they choose to pursue. Many are now more hesitant to respond to recruiters or apply for opportunities they cannot confidently verify, making it harder for genuine employers to connect with talent.“Taking proactive steps to verify recruiters, communicate through official channels and tackle fraudulent activity is essential to creating a safer hiring experience,” said Rohan Sylvester, Talent Strategy Advisor, Indeed.The impact of job scams extend beyond financial lossWhile recruitment scams are often associated with financial fraud, the report suggests the bigger impact is on confidence. Nearly one in three respondents (31%) say scam encounters have reduced their trust in recruiters and employers, while 19% say the experience has left them feeling stressed or anxious during their job search. Another 14% say they have missed genuine job opportunities because previous scam experiences made them more cautious. In comparison, only 3% report losing money, indicating that the lasting damage is less about financial loss and more about changing behaviours and perceptions.Young professionals are most vulnerableEarly-career professionals appear to be the most exposed to recruitment scams. Gen Z and respondents with 0–2 years of work experience are significantly more likely to encounter fraudulent job opportunities than other groups, highlighting the challenges young professionals face as they enter an increasingly digital job market.The findings also show that candidates are assessing credibility much earlier in the recruitment journey. For many, doubts begin with the recruiter’s first message, or even the job advertisement itself, long before an interview takes placePublished on July 9, 2026