Beware of Employment Fraud Targeting University Students Fraudsters Recruit “Interns” on LinkedIn
2026-03-30
Frauds may exist on any employment platforms. There are even “scripts” targeting university students. Fraudsters claiming that they offer posts such as “research assistant” contact students on platforms such as LinkedIn. Recruitment is conducted entirely in English. Even “online induction training” is provided, so it is difficult to uncover the frauds. The victim of a recent case lost almost $190,000.
Facts of the Case
A 19-year-old university freshman submitted a number of applications for intern on LinkedIn in early March. An organisation claiming that it was an “employment agency” replied, saying that the posts “research assistant/project assistant” which she applied for had been filled. It immediately recommended her to apply for another one “which was a part-time job requiring a laptop only and allowed her to work from home”.
In order to increase their credibility, fraudsters communicated with the victim entirely in fluent English, introducing the so-called “company’s” background, operational model and her duties. They even arranged a 40-minute “induction training” for her. Afterwards, fraudsters lured her to log on to the “company’s website” build by them and gave her an “internal account”, instructing her step by step to earn commissions by making transfers to “buy products”.
Initially, fraudsters deposited three so-called “commissions” (the highest one was $7,000) in the victim’s account, but she lost almost $190,000 at last.
The ADCC urges university students to remember the following points when looking for jobs:
Be sceptical
Frauds may exist on any employment platforms. Be suspicious of posts claiming “high wages with no barriers”, “immediate acceptance”, “work from home only”, etc.
All part-time jobs requiring advance payments are risky
Decent jobs should pay in arrears and do not require job seekers to make payments.
Beware of all suspicious websites or “task management apps”
Fraudsters often ask victims to download so-called “task management apps” to create an illusion of decent work. Most of these “task management apps” have no official websites and are not available on Google Play or Apple Store. They are downloaded through third-party links instead.
Check the authenticity of enterprises
If someone claims that jobs are offered by certain shopping platforms or large companies, you may contact the customer service of the platforms or companies to check whether they are real.
Fake Police Uniforms and Pretend Official Trap: Postgraduate Student Loses Over HK$1 Million
https://www.adcc.gov.hk/en-hk/alerts-detail/alerts-1988137884606427137.html
