Half of those Planning a Move in 2026 do not Feel Confident Spotting a Job Scam

In 2026 the job market feels uncertain for many people entering the workforce. The UK unemployment rate has risen to a near five-year high. At the same time, new research from Indeed shows that half (50%) of jobseekers expect to change roles this year. One in five (20%) say they are very likely to move, while nearly a quarter (24%) hope to secure a new role within the next few months. A further 20% say they need a new job immediately.

If you are a college leaver, apprentice, graduate, or returning to work after a break, you are not alone in looking for change. Work-life balance is now the biggest driver of job moves, cited by 38% of jobseekers, compared with 18% who say pay is their main motivation. Yet despite that appetite for something new, 78% say looking for a job feels daunting.

That uncertainty creates an opening for scammers

Two-thirds (67%) of jobseekers agree that scams have become more sophisticated in recent years. But only 20% feel very confident that they know how to spot a job scam. Nearly a quarter (24%) do not know how to report one.

For those entering the workforce for the first time, or re-entering after a break, that confidence gap matters. A scam does not just cost someone their time or money. It can damage trust, dent confidence, and make the whole process of applying for work feel risky.

Our data also shows notable regional differences. In Brighton, just 28% of jobseekers say they feel confident spotting scams, compared with 70% in Southampton. In Belfast, only 13% say they would avoid handing over personal or financial information. Southampton residents also report the strictest habits, with 81% saying they check a potential employer’s contact details before progressing an application.

So what should you look out for?

First, be cautious if you did not apply for the role. You may receive a call or message from someone claiming to have seen your CV online and describing you as the perfect candidate. Sometimes that will be legitimate. But it is also a common scam tactic. Always pause and carry out your own checks on the company before sharing any information.

Second, treat immediate job offers as a warning sign. A proper recruitment process takes time. If you are offered a job straight away, without a clear application process or conversation with a hiring manager, it is unlikely to be genuine.

Third, think carefully about when and how personal information is requested. Employers may ask for certain details later in the process, for example for background checks. But if you are asked for banking details or other sensitive information early on, and without a clear explanation, that should raise concerns.

Fourth, you should not have to pay to work. Requests for “training fees”, “recruitment fees” or “payroll fees” before you start can be a strong indicator of a scam.

Finally, be realistic about pay. If a salary seems far higher than you would expect for the role and level of experience, and the responsibilities are vague, it may be designed to lure you in.

If you think you are being targeted, act quickly and stop engaging. End all contact with the individual or group. Do not click on any links or download attachments they have sent. Do not share further personal or financial information. Consider changing passwords for any accounts you have mentioned. Report suspicious messages or job posts to the platform where you found them and, where appropriate, to local authorities.

Everyone has a role to play

With more than half of jobseekers likely to change roles in 2026, it is more important than ever that people feel confident navigating the job market securely. Fraudulent job postings are a clear violation of Indeed’s policies, and every month we remove millions of posts that do not meet our quality standards. We invest heavily in identifying and removing them, but awareness from jobseekers still matters. We encourage people to stay vigilant and to report anything that seems suspicious.

For those taking their first steps into work, safe job search is not an optional extra. It is part of being work-ready. The job market may feel challenging, but with the right awareness and a measured approach, it is possible to pursue new opportunities without putting yourself at unnecessary risk.

By Matt Burney, Senior Strategic Advisor, Indeed