Skip Navigation

UMGC Global Media Center
Job Scams Are Getting Smarter. Here's How to Stay Ahead

  • News |
  • Cybersecurity

If you’re actively job hunting, or even just updating your résumé, be aware that employment scams are on the rise. These schemes often target people like you who are navigating transitions, exploring remote work, or seeking flexible opportunities. And they’re getting harder to spot. 

At University of Maryland Global Campus, cybersecurity is more than a field of study; it’s a lens we use to help our community stay informed and protected. Patrick Appiah-Kubi, PhD, portfolio director of cloud computing and cybersecurity technology and information assurance in the School of Cybersecurity and Information Technology, offers three practical ways to recognize and avoid job-related scams. 

Patrick Appiah-Kubi, PhD

Tip 1: Scrutinize the Source  
Scam messages often use vague greetings (“Dear Candidate”), poor grammar, or personal email domains. Real recruiters use professional language and company-affiliated emails. 

 Quick Check: Compare the sender’s domain to the company’s official website. If it doesn’t match, it’s a red flag. 

Tip 2: Question Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers  
Scammers promise high salaries, guaranteed remote work, or fast-track hiring, often skipping interviews and asking for payment. 

Quick Check: Legitimate employers will not ask you to pay for training, equipment, or background checks. 

Tip 3: Validate Job and Recruiter Credentials  
Don’t rely on email or social media alone. Confirm job postings on official career pages or trusted platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor. 

 Quick Check: If you can’t verify the opportunity through reputable sources, walk away. 

 Most of UMGC’s cybersecurity faculty are practitioner instructors who work in the fields in which they teach, positioning them to share insights like these tips that help learners apply classroom learning to real-world challenges. For more on digital safety, career readiness, or cybersecurity education, visit umgc.edu.

Contact Us

Our helpful admissions advisors can help you choose an academic program to fit your career goals, estimate your transfer credits, and develop a plan for your education costs that fits your budget. If you’re a current UMGC student, please visit the Help Center.

Personal Information
Contact Information
Additional Information
This field is required.
This field is required.
 

By submitting this form, you acknowledge that you intend to sign this form electronically and that your electronic signature is the equivalent of a handwritten signature, with all the same legal and binding effect. You are giving your express written consent without obligation for UMGC to contact you regarding our educational programs and services using e-mail, phone, or text, including automated technology for calls and/or texts to the mobile number(s) provided. For more details, including how to opt out, read our privacy policy or contact an admissions advisor.

Please wait, your form is being submitted.