Tips to Avoid Job Scams: Cases Spreading Like an Octopus. Job seekers often get lured by job ads that promise exaggerated descriptions and benefits, forgetting to check what kind of company they’re applying to. That’s why you need to be thorough in choosing a company before deciding to apply. You should find out what industry the company operates in, where its office is, and how people perceive the company. All this info can be found online or by simply asking others.
Technology, while helpful, can also be misused for fraud. Job seekers can easily find information and apply to their dream companies. But some irresponsible individuals take advantage of this convenience to scam people. From 2020 until now, job scams are still happening. So, if you’re currently job hunting, be cautious.
Job vacancies are often highly anticipated by many, especially fresh graduates looking for their first job. In today’s digital era, it’s so easy to find job vacancy info scattered across the internet. However, be careful, as many scams disguised as job ads are out there.
5 Signs of a Job Scam
Requirements are too generic and easy
Fake job ads often have very generic and easy requirements that anyone can meet. For example, they might ask for high school graduates or college grads from any major, with no work experience needed.
Salary offers are too high
Salary is usually a key factor for job seekers when applying. If the salary offered seems way too high for an easy job, it’s probably a red flag. It’s just a tactic to attract job seekers’ attention.
Unclear company identity
Since it’s a scam, the company information in fake job ads is usually hard to verify and unclear. They might give out random or conflicting details like the company’s address, phone number, or website.
Non-standard recruitment process
Fake job ads often have strange recruitment processes. For example, they may conduct interviews via WhatsApp or Telegram or ask you to pay some fees to proceed.
Request for personal information
Scammers sometimes ask for sensitive personal information like credit card numbers, ATM PINs, or your ID details. This information is not needed when you’re just applying for a job.
If you come across a job ad with any of these red flags, it’s better to be cautious and not proceed with the application. You can verify the job by contacting the company directly or checking the information on their official website.
3 Common Job Scam Tactics
Transfer fees
Scammers might ask you to transfer money for administrative fees, training costs, or other expenses. After you send the money, they disappear, and you can’t contact them anymore.
Online job offers
Scammers may offer you an easy online job that can be done from anywhere without going to the office. Once you accept, they’ll ask you to transfer money, and then vanish into thin air.
Overseas job offers
Another common tactic is offering you a high-paying job overseas. Scammers will ask for money to cover visa processing fees.
These are some warning signs and common job scam tactics to look out for. To avoid getting trapped in these fraud schemes, here are a few things you should keep in mind when job hunting.
Tips to Prevent Job Scams
- Research the company that’s posting the job. You can look them up online or contact them directly.
- Don’t be easily tempted by high salary offers. Make sure the salary is in line with industry standards.
- Be cautious with your sensitive personal information. Only share the necessary details during the application process.
- Be vigilant. If something feels off about the job ad, it’s better not to continue with the application process.
With job scams becoming more and more common in various forms, it’s important to be extra selective when choosing job vacancies. Don’t be easily swayed by the promise of high salaries.
The most important thing is to pay attention to the company behind the job offer. Make sure it has a good reputation and credibility.
#Fake job ads
#Salary offers
#Recruitment process
#Personal information
