The Bureau urged vigilance, stressing the national security implications of falling for such schemes.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Atlanta has issued a fresh security alert warning current and former U.S. government employees about a growing tactic allegedly used by China’s intelligence services to obtain sensitive information through fraudulent online job offers.
In a public advisory, the FBI Atlanta office said that China’s intelligence services are using fake job offers to target current and former U.S. government employees.
The Bureau urged vigilance, stressing the national security implications of falling for such schemes.
“China’s intelligence services are using fake job offers to target current and former U.S. government employees. Don’t take the bait,” the agency warned.
“Don’t put our future at risk. If you get a suspicious request for information, report it to the FBI. Watch the video for more information on this threat.”
According to the agency, Chinese intelligence operatives have been posing as recruiters on professional networking and hiring platforms, presenting enticing job opportunities to individuals with government experience.
The aim, the FBI said, is to extract sensitive or classified U.S. government information under the guise of legitimate employment conversations.
The agency said, “Current and former U.S. government employees should be aware that China’s intelligence services may be targeting you, using deceptive online job offers. Their goal? Obtaining sensitive U.S. government information.”
These fake recruiters, according to the FBI, often design offers that appear highly attractive, featuring unusually flexible working hours and above-market salaries.
“These malicious actors use professional networking and hiring platforms to lure targets by offering positions with flexible hours and high salaries,” the agency said.
The FBI highlighted specific indicators that should raise suspicion.
“Here are some red flags to look out for: excessive flattery or knowledge of your professional or personal life; offers to perform favors like assisting with visas or paying for hotels, travel, and meals,” the agency cautioned.
The FBI noted that additional warning signs include the absence of a verifiable or professional online footprint, as well as the use of personal email addresses or encrypted messaging platforms to communicate about supposed job openings.
“Lack of a professional or verified online presence, and use of personal email addresses or encrypted messaging apps to discuss job opportunities,” the agency said.
The Bureau also reminded government-affiliated professionals to trust their instincts.
“The reality is, if a job sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” it said.
The FBI urged anyone who receives suspicious queries or encounters questionable recruitment attempts to alert federal authorities promptly.
“The FBI encourages all current and former U.S. government employees to report suspicious activity or malicious targeting,” the agency noted.
The warning comes amid heightened concerns over cyber-espionage and intelligence-gathering operations targeting U.S. institutions, particularly those involving digital platforms where personal and professional information is readily accessible.