Navigating Job Scams in the NFT and Web3 Space
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Chapter 1: Job Listings in the NFT World
In the ever-evolving NFT landscape, job seekers, particularly developers in the Web3 space, must exercise caution. Recent experiences have highlighted the potential for job listings to be fronts for social engineering scams.
Let me share a recent incident that I encountered. I stumbled upon a job opening in the NFT sector that, at first glance, appeared legitimate, although some of the terminology felt a bit off. I attributed this to possible differences in language usage from a non-US company. Intrigued by the opportunity, I sent them my resume and expressed my interest.
A few days later, I received a request to complete an application via a link to a Google form. This raised some red flags since I had already submitted my resume. The form requested basic information, but also asked for:
- My Discord account
- My Telegram account
- My Twitter account
- An ETH wallet that supports ERC20 tokens
The final question read: "Are you prepared to complete the paid test?" This struck me as highly suspicious. While it’s not uncommon for companies to request social media accounts, the request for a wallet—especially from an unknown source—contradicts the professional ethos prevalent in Web3.
Asking for a wallet that can handle ERC20 tokens heightened my suspicion. The concept of a "paid test" added to my unease. What could that entail? The more I thought about it, the more uncertain I became about the legitimacy of this company.
Upon further investigation, I discovered that their social media account had been suspended. At that point, I was left questioning whether this entity even existed, or if the job listing was a ruse.
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Section 1.1: Signs of a Scam
The primary indicator that raised my alarm was the request for an ERC20-compatible wallet, such as MetaMask. Such wallets are notably more vulnerable to hacks compared to exchange wallets, like those from Coinbase, which can only hold ETH.
I speculated that the scam might unfold as follows: they would airdrop worthless tokens that seemed valuable, encouraging recipients to trade them. Then, complications would arise, leading victims to seek assistance, where they might inadvertently divulge sensitive information, leading to wallet theft. This predatory behavior is unfortunately common in the crypto community, often leveraging social engineering techniques to exploit unsuspecting individuals.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Importance of Vigilance
Section 1.2: The Aftermath
After I responded to the company's inquiry, I anticipated either silence or a constructive dialogue. A legitimate company would likely want to understand my concerns to improve their hiring practices. Instead, I received a vague reply that solidified my suspicion.
Chapter 2: Realizing the Risks
The first video, "Blockchain Developers Beware Web3 Job SCAM PT 1," outlines the tactics employed by scammers in the Web3 job market, offering insights into how to protect oneself from such threats.
The second video, "Learn the Skills for Web3 Careers! Work in Gaming, Blockchain, Crypto, and NFT Space!" discusses the essential skills needed to navigate the job market while avoiding scams.
In conclusion, it’s crucial for those engaged in NFTs or Web3 development to remain vigilant. Scammers are increasingly targeting this niche market, aiming to exploit individuals eager for opportunities. Always trust your instincts and maintain a healthy skepticism towards job listings that seem off. Remember, paranoia can be your ally in the unpredictable realm of Web3.