Beware Fake Job Offers from Meta, Disney, and Other Major Companies

October marks a surge in job hunting as professionals and students seek new opportunities, but cybercriminals are also taking advantage of this trend. Scammers often reach out directly via WhatsApp, email, or professional networks, offering attractive job offers with promising conditions. The challenge is that legitimate recruiters also contact candidates unsolicited, making it hard to distinguish real opportunities from scams.

A stolen LinkedIn account is valued at around €260 on the dark web due to the wealth of personal and professional information it contains. Cybercriminals can exploit this data to impersonate victims and target their contacts, undermining trust and credibility. NordVPN's threat intelligence team uncovered a 2026 phishing operation impersonating major companies like Meta, Disney, Coca-Cola, and Spotify, luring candidates to fake job pages designed to steal credentials.

Red flags include unsolicited offers with pressure to act quickly, processes conducted solely via text messages, and demands for upfront payments for training or equipment. Even job postings on reputable platforms can be fraudulent. Experts advise verifying the company’s legitimacy, checking official channels, and never sharing passwords or making advance payments based on a job offer.