Ghost Job & Scam Posting Checker
Not every job posting is a real, active opening. Some are scams designed to steal your money or identity; others are "ghost jobs" left up to collect résumés. Paste a posting and this free tool flags the common warning signs so you can decide whether it's worth your time.
It checks for documented red flags — upfront-payment requests, sensitive-info asks, chat-app interviews, personal-email contacts, missing pay, and vague descriptions. It's a starting point, not a guarantee. The posting never leaves your browser — nothing is uploaded or stored.
Frequently asked questions
What is a ghost job?
A ghost job is a posting for a role that isn't actively being filled — companies sometimes leave reqs up to collect résumés, build a pipeline, or appear to be growing. You apply, and nothing happens because no one is really hiring.
How can I tell if a job posting is a scam?
The clearest red flags: it asks for your SSN, bank details, or ID before an offer; it asks you to pay for training or equipment; the 'interview' moves to Telegram/WhatsApp; or the contact is a personal Gmail rather than a company domain. Any one of those is a strong warning sign.
Is this checker free? Do I need to sign up?
It's completely free with no signup. It runs entirely in your browser — the job posting you paste never leaves your device.
Does a clean result mean the job is definitely real?
No. It's a heuristic starting point, not a verdict. A careful scam can avoid these patterns, and a legitimate posting can trip a flag or two. Use it alongside your own judgment — and verify the company directly.
How do I avoid ghost jobs and scams in my search?
Apply through the company's own careers page when you can, prioritize postings with clear pay and recent dates, and watch how fast the role moves. SearchSteward watches your target companies' real career pages directly, so the roles you see are pulled from the source.