Scam Alert: How to Identify Legitimate Grüns Communications

You're absolutely right to be suspicious — and your instincts are spot on. When a job posting claims "urgent hiring" with "high paying salary" (especially if it seems too good to be true) but asks you to send your CV via Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, or even social media DMs. Here's why it doesn't add up: 🚩 Red Flags in These Types of Job Postings: Unrealistic Promises Exaggerated salaries, instant hiring, "no experience needed" for high-paying roles? → Scam alert. No Official Company Email or Website Submission Legitimate companies almost always use their domain email (e.g., hr@companyname.com). Asking you to send documents to @gmail.com or @yahoo.com shows lack of credibility or a possible phishing scam. No Company Website/Application Portal Reputable firms have an official careers page or use well-known job portals. If there's no way to verify the company or job post online, be wary. Use of DMs (Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram) Professional recruiters don’t typically conduct job applications over social media DMs. Scammers love these platforms for their privacy and lack of oversight. 🛡️ How to Protect Yourself Verify the company: Google the company, look for real reviews on Glassdoor or LinkedIn. Check the sender’s email address: Does it come from a legitimate company domain? Be cautious with personal info: Never send ID documents, bank info, or detailed CVs unless you're 100% sure it's legit. Ask questions: A real employer won’t mind you asking for a job description, company info, or a video interview. 👀 Bottom Line? If a job offer sounds like a dream but feels shady, it probably is. Always trust your gut — like you're doing now. Wondering is the first step to not getting scammed.

📣 Beware of scammers impersonating recruiters! 📣 It has come to our attention that scammers are impersonating employees at Giant Skull, reaching out to job seekers to offer interviews with the intention to take advantage of them. We are deeply sorry to anyone who has been targeted by these scams. Here are some tips on what to look out for - - Any correspondence from our studio will come from an email with @giantskull.com or a legitimate LinkedIn acccount. Any other domain, such as “giantskull.us,” is NOT us. - Similarly, beware of emails coming from Gmail or Hotmail accounts, etc. We use our work email to reach out to candidates. - We do not conduct interviews over text or IM. Our interview processes are thorough - by the time a candidate is offered a job with us, they have spoken face to face with multiple people who verifiably work here. Our interview process for full-time positions involves multiple screens and panels, either in person or over video. - We would never ask candidates for the type of personal information that has no business in a job interview. - We would never ask a new hire to buy their own workstation or equipment. For instance, some scams involve requesting “new hires” to “purchase” a PC through a web portal or by handing over their bank or credit card information. We extend our deepest sympathies towards anyone who has been targeted by scammers pretending to be a Giant Skull employee. If an email seems suspicious, it is worth investigating before responding or opening attachments. Stay vigilant out there! 💀

Real, tangible role or ghost job? Opportunity or scam? In this AI-fueled job market getting to the reality of things has become harder than ever before. Here is a little real world advice from one jobseeker to another: FREEZE. I am glad that I had the foresight a couple months ago to freeze my credit. It gives me an added layer of protection if I am, in fact, applying for something that is a scam. I also never give out any info beyond the typical name and contact info but scammers be scamming so you can never be too careful. DOUBLE CHECK. Before I apply for anything, I also look to see if the role is cross-posted on the company's page - to make sure it is legitimate. Ghost jobs are *usually only posted on job sites and would not appear on the company career page as well. SOMETIMES THERE'S ALREADY A WINNER. I always assume there might be an internal candidate. Not only is this sometimes the case, (especially with gov't or state run institutions), but I find it softens the ego blow to consider that the job was only posted out of obligation and not necessity and they knew who they were going to hire before posting it. I do still apply though, just in case they are looking for someone external. SAVE EVERYTHING. I save every rejection email into a folder called "Job Stuff" so I can revisit it if needed. Weirdly, I have had not 1, but 2 occasions where I got a bot rejection email (stating I was no longer being considered for the role) and then was subsequently contacted by a human being for an interview. I can think of reasons this may have happened, but after it happened twice it only made me question the realness of this process more. GET PERSONAL. I read somewhere that 98% of companies use some form of ATS, so I try to customize my CV and CL to job posting but beyond that, I also try to find the person who is posting the job and add their name into the cover letter. I make sure any application questions I am answering and CL feel genuine and not robotic. I figure in a very impersonal process, maybe getting a little personal will stand out. TAKE BREAKS. I apply for jobs like it is my job. But the burnout is real. And you can only get so many rejections a day before they start to chip away at you. I now try to limit how much time I spend looking for jobs each day and try to get outside & get moving. My brain needs to see and feel the good, so I can be my best self for my family and for future job interviews (which I hope are coming). SHARE. Sometimes it feels better to know others are on the struggle bus with you. There is camaraderie in sharing similar stories and woes. But I also can still find joy and hope in sending jobs to my friends who are looking and celebrating their wins (be that interviews or landing a role). I have connected with some people more during this job search process than I ever did working alongside them. There is something kinda special about that. Good luck out there! For real.

🔴 Let’s talk about scam jobs on LinkedIn 🔴 If you’ve been applying for jobs lately, you’ll know scammers are getting smarter. They package fake opportunities so well that if you’re not careful, you’ll fall right into the trap. And honestly, I get it — when you’re eager for that “dream role,” it’s easy to miss the red flags. Here are a few things to watch out for (especially if you’re a Virtual Assistant or just starting out): 🔴 No professional email – If they ask you to apply through a random Gmail or Yahoo address, pause. Real companies almost always use official domains. 🔴 Too good to be true pay – A simple VA task that usually goes for \$5–\$15 suddenly offering \$30+ per hour? 🚩 They’re probably dangling that carrot to lure you in. 🔴 Rushed process – If they want you hired “immediately” without even asking about your skills or experience, be suspicious. Real recruiters take their time. 🔴 No real company presence – Check their LinkedIn page. Do they have a website? Do employees interact there? If it looks empty, that’s a red flag. 🔴 Upfront payments – If they ask you to pay for “training,” “software,” or “registration” before you start, run. A legit employer pays YOU, not the other way around. Scammers know how desperate some of us are for opportunities, and they prey on that. But your safety and your career are worth more than rushing into a trap. 👉 Always research. Always question. And if it feels off, it probably is. 💬 Have you ever come across a scam job post before? How did you spot it? Let’s share our experiences so we can help others avoid falling for the same tricks.

5-point scam check With no shortage of scammers preying on job seekers, check these 5 things before engaging. 1️⃣ Email address Don’t send anything to a Gmail address. A real recruiter will always have a branded email. Ex: @tailoredresumeservices 2️⃣ LinkedIn connections At the top of their profile under their name, headline, and location, it shows number of connections. If this is 0, it’s a fake account. People make fake profiles posing as recruiters from reputable companies all the time. The real ones have established networks. 3️⃣ Posts Scroll down to activity and click “Show all posts” Do you see a mass amount of reshares within minutes of each other? This is an attempt to make their profile look active and established. No one reshares in this volume. 4️⃣ Comments While reviewing their activity, click “Comments” Do you see the same “You look qualified…Send your resume to [Gmail account]” comment? Note how many there are within minutes of each other. Another red flag. 5️⃣ Company page Take it off LinkedIn and to the company’s website. If the job is legit, you’ll find it there. This is always the best place to apply. It’s tough out there and that’s what these people prey on. Stay diligent, follow these steps, and report the scam accounts as you come across them.

*LinkedIn Job Scam Awareness Alert 🚨* As LinkedIn continues to grow as a platform for job seekers and professionals, scammers are exploiting its reach to target unsuspecting users. These fraudulent profiles often masquerade as legitimate recruiters or HR professionals, posting fake job vacancies with enticing offers. Their tactics typically involve asking candidates to comment "Interested" or "Yes" to express interest, followed by requests for direct messages (DMs) containing personal details or links to unknown websites. These scams aim to harvest personal data, misuse information, or even lead to identity theft. *Warning Signs:* 1. *Generic job postings:* Vague descriptions lacking specific details about the role, company, or requirements. 2. *Unprofessional communication:* Poor grammar, spelling errors, or overly casual language in messages. 3. *Suspicious requests:* Asking for personal information, CVs, or links to external sites without proper verification. 4. *Fake profiles:* Profiles with limited information, few connections, or lacking endorsements. *How to Stay Safe:* 1. *Verify profiles:* Check the company page and the poster's profile for authenticity. 2. *Be cautious of generic requests:* Real recruiters provide clear job details and proper application channels. 3. *Never share personal documents:* Avoid sending CVs or personal info to unknown accounts. 4. *Report suspicious activity:* Flag fake profiles or job postings to LinkedIn. *Stay Vigilant:* Before engaging with job postings or recruiters on LinkedIn, take the time to verify their authenticity. Protect your personal data and avoid falling prey to these scams. Let's work together to create a safer community for all professionals. *#LinkedInSafety #JobScamAwareness #CareerAdvice #JobSearchTips*

🚨 Job seekers, beware 🚨 scams are evolving—and some of them are now messaging you directly. According to a recent #Marketplace article, job-scam texts are becoming more frequent and more believable. Here are a few red flags that stood out: - Unsolicited job offers via text, especially when you didn’t apply -Requests to pay for “processing” or “training” -Links to fake application portals or forms -Pressure tactics: “Act now” or “Limited time offer” -Personal information requests too early in the process 🔍 What you can do to protect yourself: 1. Always verify the employer through official channels (company website, HR contacts) 2. Never pay for a “job” — legitimate employers don’t charge to give you work 3. Be cautious about clicking unknown links, especially from SMS 4. Ask more questions: Who’s the hiring manager? Can you talk with them directly? 5. When in doubt, get a second opinion—ask someone you trust 👇 I’d love to hear from you: • Have you or someone you know encountered one of these text-based job scams? • What’s the most believable scam you’ve seen or received? 🔗 Check out the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gvsz5hMD #JobSearch #ScamAwareness #CareerAdvice #JobSeekers #CyberSafety #EmploymentScams

This almost caught me out last week… Scam Alert – Impersonation Emails. I’ve personally experienced this recently – scammers impersonating a new client and even posing as fake recruiters targeting those searching for opportunities. These emails are getting more convincing, using company names, logos, and urgent payment requests. • Always verify payment details or job offers through trusted channels. • Be cautious of unexpected emails asking for personal info or money. • Watch out for subtle red flags like unusual email addresses or urgency. I’ve seen this first-hand, both in business and in the job market. Stay vigilant and spread awareness. Have you come across similar scams? How did you spot them? #ScamAlert #RecruitmentScams #StaySafeOnline #FraudPrevention

📣 Beware of scammers impersonating recruiters! 📣 It has come to my attention that scammers are impersonating employees at Giant Skull, reaching out to well-meaning job seekers to offer interviews with the intention of ultimately taking advantage of them. Unfortunately, these types of scams seem to be widespread in our industry right now. - Any email correspondence from our studio will come from an address with @giantskull.com. Any other domain, such as giantskull.us, is NOT us. - Similarly, beware of emails coming from Gmail or Hotmail accounts, etc. We use our work email to reach out to candidates. - We do not conduct interviews over text or IM. Our interview processes are thorough - by the time a candidate is offered a job with us, they have spoken face to face with multiple people who verifiably work here. Our interview process for full-time positions involves multiple screens and panels, either in person or over video. - We would never ask candidates for the type of personal information that has no business in a job interview. - We would never ask a new hire to buy their own workstation or equipment. For instance, some scams involve requesting “new hires” to “purchase” a PC through a web portal or by handing over their bank or credit card information. We extend our deepest sympathies towards anyone who has been targeted by scammers pretending to be a Giant Skull employee. If something seems “phishy,” it’s worth investigating before responding or opening attachments. Stay vigilant out there! 🙏

Scammers are now recruiting faster than some companies 🤦🏾 Not long ago, I got an email saying I’d been shortlisted for an interview. At first, I was excited after weeks of applying, it felt like a breakthrough. But then I noticed something: the company name was completely unfamiliar. I never applied there. That was my wake-up call. Scammers thrive on our excitement, and if I hadn’t paused to double-check, I could have fallen for it. The truth is, many people don’t pause. That’s why scams work. Here are 6 red flags to always watch out for when it comes to job offers 👇 1️⃣ 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐚𝐲 𝐮𝐩𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭. Scammers will say things like: 👉 “𝘛𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘦𝘥, 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘺 ₦10,000 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘴.” 👉 “𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘦𝘦.” No genuine employer will ever ask you for money. A real job pays you, not the other way around. 2️⃣ 𝐔𝐧𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬: Common lines include: 👉 “𝘌𝘢𝘳𝘯 ₦500,000 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘭𝘺, 𝘯𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥.” 👉 “𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬 2 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 6 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺.” If it sounds too good to be true; Beware!!. 3️⃣ 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. Look closely at the email addresses: 👉 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘳𝘴.𝘨𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵@𝘨𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮 👉 𝘩𝘳_𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘺@𝘺𝘢𝘩𝘰𝘰.𝘤𝘰𝘮 Or recruiters who insist: “Let’s talk only on WhatsApp.” Legit companies use official domains and proper channels. 4️⃣ 𝐉𝐨𝐛𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫. You suddenly receive: 👉 “𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴, 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.” 👉 “𝘞𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘊𝘝 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶.” Pause and ask yourself; did you even apply? 5️⃣ 𝐍𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 Scammers love speed: 👉 “𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥! 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺.” 👉 “𝘕𝘰 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘸𝘦’𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶.” Legit organizations take time—interviews, assessments, conversations. 6️⃣ 𝐋𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. When you Google them, nothing comes up. Or worse, you only find vague Facebook pages with stock images. 𝘕𝘰 𝘸𝘦𝘣𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘦. 𝘕𝘰 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘦𝘥𝘐𝘯 𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘺𝘦𝘦𝘴. 𝘕𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴. In today’s digital world, zero trace = biggest red flag. ✨ The lesson? Excitement should never silence discernment. Scammers prey on emotions. Awareness is protection. Have you (or someone you know) ever received a suspicious job offer? What was the red flag that gave it away? Share it in the comments, your story could save someone else. 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐲𝐨𝐬𝐢 𝐎𝐠𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐞 🕵🏽♀️ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐛 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐦 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫. “ℂ𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕗𝕣𝕒𝕦𝕕𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕓𝕖𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕔𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕪𝕠𝕦.”