LinkedIn remote job scam – A fake job from GAP brand, and even a Bitrix24 setup request…
While preparing for employment in Canada, the phrase “remote job” sounded incredibly appealing.
Especially if the job post came from a reliable platform like LinkedIn — you’d naturally trust it.
I’m a Canadian permanent resident currently residing in Korea, so I was looking for remote positions I could start before relocating to Canada.
That’s when I found a Data Entry Remote position posted under the name of the GAP, a well-known American fashion brand.
Too Professional to Doubt – Was It Really GAP Hiring?
The job listing included a link to a website with a seemingly official domain, and I even received emails from an “HR representative.” Everything looked completely legitimate on the surface.
Two days after I applied, I received an email scheduling an interview. I expected a video call via Zoom or Teams, but surprisingly, it was an audio-only interview.
That’s when I first got suspicious — but I brushed it off, thinking maybe some U.S. companies just prefer voice calls.
Still, it felt a bit… fast. The interview was scheduled immediately
The interview lasted about 10 minutes.
Next day, I received an offer and a detailed contract specifying my hourly rate, working hours, and even Canadian RRSP benefits.
It was a five-page document, seemingly complete — but somehow, it felt just a bit off.
The Real Purpose Revealed: Bitrix24 Installation Request
The next step was installing a collaboration tool called Bitrix24.
While Bitrix24 is a real tool, they suddenly started a conversation about computer equipment setup and eventually dropped the phrase: “We’ll be providing you with a quote for the required equipment.”
That’s when my red flags went up.
I searched on Reddit using some of the details — and to my shock, I found several posts describing exactly the same scenario.
Bitrix24 was commonly used in these remote job scams, where they later ask victims to pay upfront for work equipment or send a refundable deposit.
Domain Creation Date? Just a Few Days Ago
I even checked the domain creation date of the “GAP recruitment” site mentioned in their emails.
Unsurprisingly, the domain had been registered just a few days before the job listing went live — a major red flag.
Suddenly Blocked – All Contact Lost
When I casually dropped a question like, “Hey, is this a scam by any chance?” during a Bitrix24 conversation,
the response? Everything got blocked. No more access to the chat, the email stopped responding, and the supposed HR’s LinkedIn profile vanished.
(Okay, I may have thrown in a curse word just before I got blocked. 😅)
Warning Signs to Look Out For (Scam Checklist)
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The interview is audio-only — no video call
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Suspicious email address, not from the company’s official domain
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The contract looks too detailed, but feels off
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Mentions Bitrix24 and requests for equipment prepayment
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Website domain was created recently
Final Thoughts – Be Extra Cautious When Seeking Remote Jobs in Canada
LinkedIn is a trusted global platform, but unfortunately, scammers are getting more sophisticated every day.
We live in a time when you have to doubt things that seem the most legitimate.
If you’re looking for remote job opportunities, especially if you’re like me — a Canadian PR or someone soon relocating — take this as a warning.
Just recently, I applied for a few more Data Entry Remote Jobs via LinkedIn.
This time, the recruiter contacted me directly via LinkedIn messages, and the first thing they asked was to “connect on WhatsApp.”
Needless to say, I ignored it.
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