We've all heard the horror stories, but how do you avoid job scams online? In this career services guide, we want to help you quickly identify potential threat actors during your job search.
Job Scams: What are they, and what do they look like?
Job scams are fraudulent activities that aim to deceive job seekers by promising them fake job opportunities, often in exchange for money or personal information.
Most recruitment scams involve fake job postings, emails, or illegitimate websites. Scammers may also impersonate actual companies or recruiters and ask job seekers to provide sensitive information, such as their social security number, bank account details, or passport information.
In some cases, scammers may also ask job seekers to pay fees for background checks, training, or equipment they claim are necessary. Job scams can cause financial loss, identity theft, and other severe consequences for job seekers, so it's essential to be vigilant and cautious when searching for jobs online.
How to identify job scams
There are several red flags to watch out for when conducting a job search online. Here are some warning signs to keep in mind:
● Vague job descriptions - Job descriptions should have a high level of detail, from details of the job role to location and things like hours, pay, and qualifications. If you read a job description and have come away with more questions than answers, that's a possible red flag.
● Upfront payment - If a potential employer asks you to pay a fee upfront for any reason, it's likely a scam. Legitimate employers and job agencies don't ask job seekers to pay for job applications or role training. It's essential to mention that this is different for vocational training (accredited training you choose to do separately from your job search with recognised providers).
● Promises of quick or easy money - If a job posting promises you a lot of money quickly and easily, it's likely a lie. Legitimate job opportunities require hard work and dedication.
● Poor communication - If the potential employer's communication is unprofessional or difficult to understand, it could be a sign that the company is not legitimate.
● Unusual interview process - If the interview process seems unusual or doesn't involve a standard phone or in-person interview, it may be a scam.
If you encounter any of these warning signs, it's essential to proceed with caution and research before providing any personal information or payment. You have likely witnessed an online job scam.
How to protect yourself from job scams
Here are some things you can do to avoid falling victim to job scams:
Never share personal information - Be cautious when sharing your personal information online or by phone. Only provide your social security number, bank account details, or other sensitive information if you are sure that the job opportunity is legitimate and you have been officially offered the job.
Never respond to or open links and attachments from unknown sources. During a heavy job search, you are likely to have sent off many applications. Keep track of each of these. If you are contacted by email by an unknown source about a job, do not reply or open any links or attachments. These could be phishing scams designed to get access to personal information.
Ask yourself questions - If you need clarification on a job opportunity, ask questions. In fact, ask plenty of questions anyway. Legitimate employers will provide lots of information about a job, their company, or the application process. You shouldn't have to look too far to find it, either. If a job listing doesn't answer these, open a separate search window on your internet browser and look for the company online. They may not be honest if they do not have a reputable online presence (website, social media, reviews, services or products).
Use legitimate job sites - Stick to reputable sites when looking for job opportunities online. Avoid job postings on social media platforms or websites that look unprofessional.
Do your research - Research the company and job opportunity thoroughly before applying for a job. Check the company's website, read reviews from current and former employees, and look for any red flags indicating the job is a scam.
Talk to someone you trust - If you are in doubt about a job posting or an email about a job, then talk to someone you trust. A second pair of eyes on the problem can quickly help you decide if it is fake or real.
Here are some tips on finding a reputable job site that will help you find multiple genuine opportunities.
What to do if you fall victim to a job scam
If you believe you have fallen victim to a job scam, taking action as soon as possible is essential. Here is what you should do:
● Report the fraud to authorities for investigation.
● Contact the site owners for investigation if the fake job post is on a legitimate website.
● If you have paid money to a potential scammer, contact your bank or card company and explain the situation. They may be able to help you recover your funds. Never make wire transfers.
Most importantly, do not suffer alone. It is nothing to feel ashamed about. A job scam is a criminal offence, so you need to talk to the right people to help you in this situation and stop the fraud from harming further victims.