A "Collaboration Opportunity" Scam Pattern I Almost Fell For

Last week, I received a LinkedIn message from someone who said they were impressed by my technical background and wanted to discuss a collaboration. I can’t say for certain it was a scam, but it had many of the hallmarks. I’m sharing it so others can spot the pattern sooner than I did.

For context, I was recovering from food poisoning and feeling the haze, so I wasn’t as sharp as usual. That’s exactly the kind of moment these approaches take advantage of.

How it unfolded

The flattering approach. Warm praise for my work, followed by a vague “opportunity.”
The move off-platform. I was asked to continue on WhatsApp with their “employer.”
A strange request. I was asked to close my LinkedIn account, and I did. I’m now recovering it. No legitimate employer or collaborator will ever ask you to delete your professional profile.
Lots of warmth, few facts. All I got was a name and a company I couldn’t verify anywhere online.
A second opinion. I looped in my family and a few trusted friends. One of them recognised the signs, and I cut contact and blocked the number.

Red flags to watch for

Unsolicited praise followed by a vague opportunity
Pressure to move to WhatsApp or Telegram
A company with no verifiable presence
Any request to close, deactivate, or delete your accounts

Pause, verify, ask

If something feels off, pause, verify, and ask someone you trust. In Singapore, you can report suspected scams to ScamShield, even if you haven’t lost anything.

Stay sharp, and keep wise people around you who can see your blind spots.