How to Spot Fake Indeed Jobs and Avoid Scams

If you’re a South African job seeker — whether you’re a recent matriculant, graduate, or working parent looking for your next opportunity — you’ve likely turned to online platforms like Indeed. With high unemployment and an increasing number of remote job listings, scammers have found ways to take advantage of people searching for honest work. This guide will help you identify fake jobs on Indeed and avoid scams in 2025, so you don’t waste your time, money, or personal information.

How to Identify a Fake Job Posting on Indeed

Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, making it harder to tell legitimate jobs from fake ones. Here’s how to spot red flags in job listings.

Common Warning Signs

Too good to be true: Jobs offering unrealistic salaries for minimal work or no experience often signal scams.
Vague job descriptions: Generic terms like “data entry” or “remote assistant” without clear responsibilities should raise concerns.
No traceable company details: Be cautious of posts without a company name, location, or official contact details.
Upfront payment requests: Reputable employers do not ask applicants to pay for training, equipment, or background checks.
Unprofessional communication: Emails or messages from free domains (e.g., Gmail), filled with spelling errors, or rushed interview offers are red flags.

How One Job Seeker Got Scammed on Indeed

Thabo, a marketing graduate from Pretoria, applied for a remote “social media assistant” role on Indeed in late 2024. The recruiter requested R600 to “secure training materials.” After making the payment, the job posting vanished and Thabo received no further communication. The fake company had copied the branding of a real digital agency and fooled several job seekers.

How to Verify If an Indeed Job Is Legitimate

Before submitting an application, use the following steps to verify the authenticity of a job listing.

1. Research the Company

Search for the company name and add keywords like “scam” or “reviews” to see what others are saying.
Check if the business is registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC): www.cipc.co.za.
Look for a functioning company website with contact details, social media presence, and staff listed on LinkedIn.

2. Contact the Company Directly

Use contact details from the official website (not from the Indeed listing) to confirm whether the job ad is real.
Ask if they are hiring through Indeed or a recruitment partner.

3. Look for Online Reviews

Visit websites like HelloPeter and LinkedIn to find reviews or complaints about the employer.
A company with no online presence at all in 2025 should be viewed with caution.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

Act quickly if you think you’ve encountered or been targeted by a fake job posting.

Report the Job

Use the “Report Job” button on Indeed or email [email protected] with full details.
Contact Indeed’s South African support team through their Help Centre at support.indeed.com.

Protect Your Personal Information

If you shared personal details like your ID number or banking information, contact your bank immediately.
Report suspected identity theft to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and apply for an affidavit.
You can also report online fraud to the SAPS Cybercrime Division.

File an Official Complaint

SAPS: Open a fraud case at your nearest station.
Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB): If the job ad is misleading, lodge a complaint at www.arb.org.za.
National Consumer Commission (NCC): File a complaint about deceptive recruitment at www.thencc.gov.za.

Tips for Staying Safe When Job Hunting Online

Here are some simple habits to help you avoid scams in 2025.

Never pay for a job: Training, uniforms, or background checks should not come out of your pocket.
Use a dedicated email address for job applications.
Ask questions: Real employers can answer specific questions about the role, company culture, and responsibilities.
Avoid “instant hire” offers: Most legitimate companies follow a formal interview and hiring process.
Trust your gut: If something feels off, double-check before moving forward.

Recommended for you: How to Research a Company Before a Job Interview

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can fake jobs appear on verified platforms like Indeed?
Yes. Even though Indeed uses filters and reporting systems, scammers still find ways to list fake jobs. Always do your own due diligence.

How do I check if a recruitment agency is registered in South Africa?
Search for the agency on the Federation of African Professional Staffing Organisations (APSO) website at www.apso.org.za.

What should I do if I already paid money for a fake job?
Contact your bank immediately. Report the scam to SAPS and your local cybercrime unit, and open a fraud case. If possible, notify others online by posting warnings.

Also check: How to Answer the Salary Expectation Question During an Interview in 2025

With unemployment rates still high in South Africa in 2025, job seekers are more vulnerable than ever to scams. But by learning how to verify job listings, looking out for red flags, and reporting suspicious ads, you can avoid becoming a victim. Your safety and time are valuable.