China’s Ministry of State Security has issued a warning to university students about fraudulent job offers that may serve as fronts for foreign espionage, as millions prepare to enter the job market.
Authorities cautioned that seemingly attractive offers—such as high-paying remote data tasks or research projects promising quick earnings—could be designed to recruit students into collecting sensitive information. Students were advised to be wary of requests for detailed résumés, particularly those involving prior work linked to military units or confidential research.
The advisory comes ahead of a record graduation season, with around 12.7 million students expected to complete university this year. The surge in graduates coincides with a challenging labour market marked by economic uncertainty, increasing competition for jobs, and pressure on wages.
Officials say the warning is intended to raise awareness among young job seekers about national security risks in the digital recruitment landscape. It also reflects growing concerns over the use of online platforms for covert intelligence gathering, particularly during periods of high graduate vulnerability.
Author
