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Crypto options exchange Deribit has issued a warning about an emerging scam targeting job seekers on LinkedIn. Fraudsters are impersonating recruiters from the company to deceive individuals, particularly developers and senior professionals in the cryptocurrency industry.

Impersonation Tactics on LinkedIn

Deribit’s Chief Information Security Officer, Anthony Sweeney, highlighted in a recent update that the platform has seen a significant increase in scammers posing as recruiters. These fraudsters create fake LinkedIn profiles, claiming to represent the company, and use them to post high-paying job advertisements or directly approach candidates.

Once contact is established, scammers deploy a variety of tactics to exploit victims. These include:

  • Requesting candidates to complete an “online assessment,” which installs malware on their devices.
  • Offering fraudulent jobs with “exclusive pre-hire perks,” such as discounted company shares, as a way to steal money.
  • Arranging in-person meetings for contract signings, during which candidates are instructed to bring their work laptops. This could be an attempt to access sensitive company data.

How to Identify and Avoid Recruitment Scams

Deribit has urged job seekers to remain vigilant and take the following precautions to protect themselves:

  • Verify recruiters’ profiles on LinkedIn by cross-checking their professional history and connections.
  • Confirm job offers through official company channels or contact the company directly.
  • Be cautious of any unusual requests, such as downloading unfamiliar applications or bringing personal devices to interviews.

Other Phishing Campaigns Targeting Job Seekers

This scam is not an isolated incident. In January, a cybersecurity firm reported a phishing campaign in which fraudsters impersonated its recruitment process to distribute malicious software. The attackers lured victims with fake job offers and directed them to download an application that installed a cryptominer on their systems.

The malicious software, identified as XMRig, was designed to mine Monero cryptocurrency using the victim’s computing resources. The phishing emails mimicked legitimate recruitment communications, leading victims to a fraudulent website that hosted the harmful application.

Protect Yourself in the Crypto Job Market

With the cryptocurrency sector growing rapidly, scams targeting job seekers have become increasingly sophisticated. To safeguard your personal information and devices, always exercise caution when engaging with recruiters online. Double-check the authenticity of job offers and refrain from downloading any unsolicited applications or software.

The rise of these scams highlights the importance of cybersecurity awareness in the crypto space. Job seekers are encouraged to stay informed and prioritize verifying the legitimacy of recruiters and job postings before proceeding with any application process.

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