Beware of Fake Interviews That Steal Your Data

A disturbing cyber threat has been emerging on LinkedIn: scammers posing as recruiters who invite unsuspecting candidates to participate in interviews. Often, they ask you to download a so-called "test"—which is actually malware designed to steal your personal information or credentials. These schemes manipulate trusted professional platforms to prey on your career aspirations.

How the Trap Works

1. Initial Contact via LinkedInScammers reach out with vague, flattering messages—promising remote work, flexible hours, or generous pay—often without any associated job posting.

2. Building Trust and Extracting DetailsTargets are asked to submit resumes or GitHub links, seemingly as part of the hiring process. But these materials are used to gather information and appear more convincing.

3. The Malicious “Test”Candidates receive a link or file— oftentimes under the guise of providing feedback or completing an interview exercise. Opening it can install malware, giving scammers access to sensitive data or control over your system.

Real-World Evidence

• A campaign linked to the North Korea–affiliated Lazarus Group involved sending fake job offers via LinkedIn. The goal? Harvest credentials and deliver malware via repositories and forms.

• Scammers often use phishing-like tactics on LinkedIn, disguising malware as legitimate files from recruiters.

Voices From the Community

Reddit users frequently warn others:

“If the email asks you to download anything, … it’s probably a scam.”Reddit“It’s crazy how sophisticated these scams have become, using fake job offers to distribute malware.”Reddit

The Bigger Picture

• Fake job offers are a top LinkedIn scam. Fraudsters pose as recruiters recruiting for legitimate companies to collect personal info or money.

• Over half of businesses have faced scam attempts or fake profiles on

• Fake recruitment messages sometimes lead to phishing pages or malware downloads via links labeled as application materials.

Keep Yourself Safe: Best Practices

Warning Signs	What to Watch For
Vague job offers	No official posting or role description
Unfamiliar recruiters	Personal emails like Gmail, not company domains
Unexpected downloads	Beware of files or links labeled as tests or forms
Suspicious communication	Grammar mistakes, lack of corporate contacts
Demands for info	ID, bank, Social Security numbers—too early

• Verify legitimacy: Always cross-check job opportunities on the company’s official site and confirm recruiter identities.

• Avoid downloading unsolicited files: Don’t open attachments or links unless you confirm the sender’s identity.

• Protect your data: Never submit sensitive personal info like SSNs or bank details during initial steps.

• Report suspicious accounts: Use LinkedIn’s report feature if you encounter a scam or suspicious profile.

Final Thoughts

As LinkedIn remains essential for job seekers and professionals, cybercriminals have increasingly targeted the platform. Fake interview scams disguised as "tests" pose a serious risk—not just to individuals, but to companies at large. They exploit trust, vulnerable job seekers, and the informal nature of remote recruitment channels.

Be vigilant. Validate every request, never download unchecked files, and treat unsolicited opportunities with skepticism. Staying informed is your strongest defense.