Job Hunting Horrors: How to Avoid Scams and Ghosting This Halloween

CareerOctober 01, 2025 09:00

Job Hunting Horrors

Halloween is a time for spooky costumes and haunted houses — but for many jobseekers in Singapore, the scariest part of October isn’t ghosts or ghouls. It’s job scams and recruiter ghosting.

According to Reeracoen Singapore’s 2025 Job Scam Survey, 1 in 3 jobseekers in Singapore encountered scams in the past year, with over half targeted multiple times. Meanwhile, “ghosting” — when recruiters or employers vanish without explanation after interviews — is increasingly common, leaving candidates frustrated and anxious.

This Halloween, let’s unmask these workplace horrors and arm yourself with the tools to protect your career.

The Rise of Job Scams in Singapore

The Singapore Police Force reported a 46.8% increase in scam cases in 2023, with job scams among the fastest-growing categories. Scammers prey on workers by offering fake online jobs, promising easy income, or impersonating real companies.

Red flags include:

  • Requests for upfront payments or “training fees.”
  • Job offers without interviews.
  • Communication through unofficial channels (personal WhatsApp, Telegram).
  • Unrealistic salaries for simple tasks like clicking ads.

Tip: Always verify company details on the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) Employment Agencies Directory and never transfer money to secure a role.

The Haunting Trend of Ghosting

Ghosting in recruitment has become so common that candidates joke about it being the new workplace “urban legend.” But its effects are serious:

  • Loss of confidence for jobseekers.
  • Wasted time in preparation.
  • Negative employer branding for companies.

A 2025 LinkedIn study found that 37% of Singapore professionals experienced ghosting in the hiring process, with younger workers most affected.

Tip: Keep applications broad and active. Don’t rely on one opportunity. Follow up politely, but if silence continues after 2–3 weeks, move on without guilt.

How to Protect Yourself This Halloween Season

1. Verify Before You Apply
Always cross-check job postings on official websites or LinkedIn. Avoid applying through suspicious links or ads.

2. Guard Your Personal Data
Never send copies of your NRIC, bank details, or passwords during early job application stages.

3. Spot Authentic Employers
Legitimate recruiters provide company email addresses, official websites, and MOM registration numbers.

4. Keep Your Resume ATS-Friendly
Many ghosting cases happen because resumes don’t pass AI applicant tracking systems. Use keywords, simple formatting, and quantified achievements.

5. Stay Mentally Resilient
Ghosting is not a reflection of your worth. Use it as feedback to refine your resume, practise interview skills, and keep applying.

Data Snapshot

  • 1 in 3 jobseekers in Singapore faced scams in 2025 (Reeracoen × Rakuten Insight).
  • 46.8% increase in scams reported in 2023 (SPF).
  • 37% of workers experienced ghosting during recruitment (LinkedIn 2025).
  • Common scam tactic: fake jobs requiring upfront payments or personal data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What should I do if I suspect a job scam?
Stop all communication and report to ScamShield or SPF’s anti-scam hotline (1800-722-6688).

Q2: How can I avoid being ghosted?
Apply widely, follow up professionally, and use networking to access hidden job markets.

Q3: Are scams only targeting fresh graduates?
No. Scams affect professionals across all levels, including executives seeking side income.

Q4: Can I blacklist ghosting employers?
While no official blacklist exists, you can share experiences in professional circles or job review sites.

Conclusion

Halloween is meant for fun scares, not real-life career nightmares. By staying alert to job scams and managing the emotional toll of ghosting, Singapore professionals can keep their job search safe and productive. Remember: the best way to banish these workplace horrors is with knowledge, resilience, and the right support.

 

👉 For Candidates: Ready to find authentic, scam-free opportunities? [Start your career journey with Reeracoen today].

👉 For Employers: Want to stand out by building trust and transparency in hiring? [Connect with Reeracoen’s client services here].

 

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