Career experts advise on how to avoid scams while job-hunting online.

The job market is becoming increasingly competitive, even with a strong labor market, and scammers are taking advantage of it.

Job scams are a significant problem that has prompted federal agencies such as the FBI and Federal Trade Commission to issue warnings.

Job seekers who pose as recruiters and contact you uninvited, including on job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn or through WhatsApp messages, to lure you with a job opportunity you didn't apply for.

Amanda Augustine, a career expert at TopResume, warns that job scams may ask for money or personal information, or claim that you need to complete their training course or coaching services before being eligible for their job opening in a predatory attempt to sell their products.

Phoebe Gavin, a career and leadership coach, explains that while recruiters often contact potential hires, the grifters are not as straightforward as real recruiters.

Here are ways to spot and protect yourself from a con while job-hunting.

Be skeptical if the job looks too perfect

If a job posting appears too good to be true, it probably is, according to Augustine.

Augustine advises against investing in "get-rich-quick" schemes, urging individuals to "run for the hills."

It's important to be cautious if a company offers you a position without going through the standard vetting process, as a legitimate process should always include at least one interview, even if it's over the phone.

Fake interviews can be conducted through text chat and video messaging, and some scammers use this method to obtain personal information, as reported by ZipRecruiter. Job seekers who have been deceived have shared their experiences on social media.

In the second half of 2023, LinkedIn blocked over 63 million fake accounts and removed over 108 million pieces of spam and scam content, according to its community report.

LinkedIn's vice president of trust product management, Oscar Rodriguez, stated that the job site is dedicated to maintaining the platform's authenticity, security, and ease of use for its members.

If a recruiter contacts you about an enticing job you haven't applied for, be cautious, advises Augustine.

Question vague or nonexistent job descriptions

If a company can't provide a job description, it's a big red flag, according to Augustine.

High-profile applicants may initially be kept in the dark about executive-level job openings, but more details will be revealed as the interview process progresses.

"According to Gavin, if someone is approaching you for a confidential listing and you are not a director or above, it is likely a scam because there is no reason for a company to be secretive about hiring an individual contributor or a manager-level position. However, senior-level positions can have PR consequences if it is known that they are conducting a search."

Job descriptions that are not closely guarded should be provided upon request, Augustine advises. Be cautious of vague job descriptions that do not provide enough information about the job title, location, key responsibilities, and qualifications.

A job description with numerous typos and mistakes may suggest a scam, but with the emergence of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT that can rectify grammatical errors in text, this clue is becoming less significant.

Check the company's online footprint

Augustine suggests that a company's digital presence can be found on LinkedIn, a website, or a social media page.

"If your mom-and-pop ice cream shop has a Facebook page, but there is no digital trail or it's sparse when running Google searches, it may be concerning."

Gavin recommends that you check the employer's website to see if the job listing is posted and to verify any links you receive to avoid phishing scams.

It's important to exercise caution when dealing with recruiters who do not use a corporate email address, Augustine advises. While you may encounter third-party recruiters who use a Gmail account, internal recruiters usually have a company email address.

Rewritten sentence: Be cautious when receiving emails from job seekers with misspelled or "spoofed" company names, as they may be attempting to scam you.

If you're still unsure about a company's legitimacy, Augustine recommends searching its name followed by "scam" on Google. This may reveal any past instances of fraudulent behavior if it's a scam that has been previously reported.

'Take your time' and don't get discouraged

Gavin advises slowing down when someone reaches out with a job opportunity, as the stress and urgency of job-hunting can lead to impulsive decisions.

"If it's a legitimate opportunity, it won't vanish in an hour. They won't be able to find, interview, offer, negotiate, and sign candidates in that amount of time," she advises. "It's in your best interest and won't cost you anything to verify that the person is legitimate and working for a real organization."

To avoid falling victim to scams, Augustine advises keeping track of all job applications. Some scammers may deceive you into believing you have already applied for their role, exploiting your disorganization to ensnare you in their hiring scheme.

Gavin advises his clients not to let fear win out, even in the face of numerous online risks.

"You can choose not to let fear of scams prevent you from utilizing LinkedIn, which is currently the most significant recruiting platform online," she asserts.

To become a successful and confident communicator, enroll in CNBC's online course, "Become an Effective Communicator: Master Public Speaking." Our program will teach you how to speak clearly and confidently, manage your nerves, choose the right words and body language, and make a great first impression. Sign up now and use code EARLYBIRD for a 30% discount through July 10, 2024.

Sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to receive expert advice on work, money, and life.