Job seekers continue to be victims of sneaky con artists as employment scams become more prevalent. These scams have advanced in sophistication and can now mimic legitimate hiring practices. They frequently manifest themselves through third-party websites or direct email. This act, often known as “recruitment fraud,” is growing more widespread. They will approach job seekers with false job offers. They may sometimes request money, banking information, or other personally identifiable data.
To better protect yourself from these scams when searching for a new job, be aware of them and learn what to look out for.
Here are some practical tips to avoid job scams:
- Check for known red flags
- There is no website or official social media presence for the company.
- Employment details are sent via unauthorized email addresses, Whatsapp, SMS, and Telegram.
- The job description must be clearer, precise, and filled with typos and grammatical errors.
- The focus is more on alluring pay, immediate benefits, etc., than jobs and responsibilities.
- You discovered the position by browsing through random online or offline employment adverts.
- You are asked to divulge personal information.
Although it’s common for companies to request your personal information, it nearly always happens later in the hiring process, after an offer letter has been given. But, pay close attention to the information they request; for instance, asking for sharing bank account information. Also, confirm whether any documents or forms that ask for sensitive data are necessary before signing them because scammers may frequently misuse your personal information.
- Never pay money.
Scammers frequently demand money in exchange for reserving a seat for you instead of an application fee, deposit, or both. Never comply with such demands for payment. At no point, during your hiring process or in exchange for their services, an honest and reliable recruiter or recruiting firm will ever request payment.
- Too good to be true.
If you find a job offer about making quick money and other incentives, approach it cautiously because employers compete for your attention in this market. Study the job description and the required competencies carefully. Your warning sign is if you discover less information about the core position and more about additional rewards.
- Do your research and check with credible sources.
Do your homework and investigate the firm before accepting any interview offers or giving out any information. Know the company’s history and industry, and watch for suspicious signs. When in doubt, verify the company’s registration and the accuracy of its contact information. To gain a second perspective on the legitimacy of the business, you can also talk about it with your friends or family.
In general, ignoring such events is the wisest course of action. Only answer if you see unsolicited job advertising that seems suspicious. You lower your chances of falling victim to such traps entirely if you don’t take action because such work scams demand active participation on both sides.
To protect yourself and your personal information, look for the below tips when you speak to a recruiter for a job:
- The company website and email address of the hiring company should be accessible to recruiters.
- A formal interview process will be started and followed by recruiters, who will be open and honest with you about everything.
- At any point during the hiring process, they will never demand payment.
- The chat will concentrate more on the job role and skills needed for the position.
- They will be well-positioned to respond to your queries regarding the position and the organization.
- A legitimate recruiting firm should also be able to give its “Employment Agency (EA) license number” upon request.
