While the internet is possibly the greatest tool for learning and connecting out there, it’s also the easiest way you can become a victim of theft or fraud. As a job seeker, you may be at risk of being scammed every time you send in an application form. Read on to know how to spot a scam and stay safe when hunting for jobs online.
Signs to Watch Out For
In a scam, a scammer poses as an employer. They reach out to job seekers via ads and job board sites and offer them a job that doesn’t exist. These are often “work-from-home opportunities” that promise a big paycheck for small efforts. Some go as far as creating entirely fake job boards or employer sites and using email and social media to spread these scams.
Scammers know that desperate job seekers will look at any opportunity and take advantage of this to the fullest.
Be cautious when you look for jobs on job boards or social media. Never give out personal information to anyone, including “employers” who have contacted you by telephone or email. Always research the employer before you submit your application. Check if they have an official website, and even if you find one, don’t immediately let your guard down. Sometimes, a scammer will create a bogus website that looks real.
Don’t just stop with the information given to you by companies themselves. Apart from the website, look for reviews and feedback left by customers and employees. If you sense anything unusual about the company you want to apply for, stop and investigate.
When you’re browsing job boards, be careful of scams and always watch out for these red flags:
→ The “company” wants to hire you then and there.
→ You are being offered a position or interview that you didn’t apply for.
→ You find several grammatical errors and typos in the job posting, email, and other interactions with the “employer.”
→ You’re asked to pay a sum to confirm the employment.
→ The “company” requests your Social Security Number, copy of your driver’s license, or other personal information.
→ The person contacting you does not have an email address that includes the company’s name (i.e., johndoe@gmail rather than johndoe@nameofcompany).
Additional Safety Tips
→ Don’t click on links you find in an email or message, even if it seems to be from the company you applied to. Instead, log into the real website directly.
→ If you’re on a site and it doesn’t end in “.com,” “.org,” “.net,” “.gov,” or “.edu,” cross the site off of your list.
