1 in 3 Singapore jobseekers targeted by scams: Reeracoen survey
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE — A new survey by Reeracoen Singapore, in partnership with Rakuten Insight Global, has revealed that 35% of job seekers in Singapore encountered job scams in the past year, with more than half targeted multiple times.
The findings come amid a sharp rise in scam activity, with Singapore Police Force data showing scam cases surged by 46.8% in 2023, and job scams alone cost victims over S$20 million (US$15.5 million).
“As AI continues to evolve, it’s becoming harder to tell what’s real and what’s a scam — especially in digital hiring. This is no longer just a tech problem; it’s a human one,” said Kenji Naito, Group CEO of Reeracoen Group.
“The value of human involvement and verified interactions is becoming even more important. We must build hiring ecosystems where people feel safe and trust comes by default.”
Why trust in recruitment platforms is declining
The survey highlights that scammers are exploiting even reputable online job portals and company websites, often impersonating recruiters to deceive tech-savvy candidates.
As a result, 79% of job seekers expressed high concern about scam risks, and 40% reported declining trust in recruitment platforms and agencies.
Common warning signs include requests for upfront fees or personal information and offers of unusually high salaries for jobs with minimal requirements.
“Even in Singapore’s trusted hiring environment, job seekers are feeling the impact of impersonation scams,” said Shoichi Sunaga, Branch Manager at Reeracoen Singapore.
“Verified listings, stronger employer branding, and human-led screening are no longer optional – they’re essential.”
Jobseekers demand stronger safeguards
Survey respondents called for stricter screening of job postings, verified employer and recruiter accounts, real-time user reporting systems, and closer collaboration with government agencies to enforce standards.
Only one in five respondents said they would pay for extra scam protection, underscoring the belief that safety should be a standard feature, not a paid add-on.
To address the growing threat, the report recommends the deployment of verification badge systems, AI-powered screening tools, and enhanced cooperation with regulators such as the Ministry of Manpower and Infocomm Media Development Authority. Public awareness campaigns are also urged to help job seekers recognize red flags and report suspicious activity.
