How to spot a Job scam and keep your online job search safe

It's difficult enough to find a new job or profession - the last thing you need is to be misled by a job posting that appears to be great but is actually a fraud. It has the ability to turn you from pleased and enthusiastic to dissatisfied and disheartened in a matter of seconds.

If something doesn't feel right, or if you're uncomfortable for any reason (for example, the job recruiter is pushy or demanding, or you don't understand the work responsibilities), don't hesitate to walk away.

Most of the time, your instincts are correct. Also, keep in mind that there are lots of legitimate internet jobs to select from. This will not be your only chance to work from home, so don't be frightened or coerced into doing something you don't want to do.

They have all they need for their fraud once they obtain your personal information. They have the ability to deplete your bank account, file for (and receive) a tax refund in your name, and do a slew of other things to make your life difficult.

So, how do you tell what's genuine and what's not when it comes to a job posting?

Continue reading to learn more.

• You're being asked for your personal information.

On this one, timing is crucial. The employer may need some personal information, such as your social security number, to do a background check at some point throughout the interview process.

Job search sites do not require confidential information such as social security numbers, bank account numbers, or other personal information. If a website requests this information, you may be a victim of a fraud. It should be made plain why they require this information up front, and if it makes you feel uneasy, it's definitely time to go on.

• A letter of offer without an application

Perhaps the email indicates that they spotted your résumé on job sites. or on their company's website, or something similar. According to the communication, they believe you are the ideal candidate for this new position.

You might not recall ever applying (and you probably didn't if it's a fraud). It's possible that you haven't seen the employer's name before. Perhaps the employer is a well-known company that you'd like to work for.

Regardless of the logos and names seen in the email message, be extremely suspicious of emails from people you don't know. Websites can be used to "steal" logos and names. Examine the email address for accuracy. Do not trust the From: address because it can be "spoof" with some email applications. Maybe it isn't!

If you come across such an offer, ask for further details about the position and the organization to ensure it is not a hoax.

• Requesting money for placements

The process of identifying candidates is frequently outsourced to a third-party firm. Such third-party companies are also paid a service fee for this. However, no employer can guarantee candidate employment without going through the interview process. This is a straightforward grab-the-money-and-run scam, so don't fall for it. No legitimate business should demand payment in order to obtain equipment for your task. It's that easy.

If someone approaches you with an offer of a job in exchange for money, be wary.

• Suspicious job boards 

These can be difficult to detect. Although the website appears to be professional, its sole purpose is to obtain as much personal information about you as possible. The websites are attractive, but neither the employer nor the employment board are legitimate. Job seekers are encouraged to apply for fake employment.

For "pre-screening," they usually ask for your personal information, including your Social Security Number. They will almost always require your personal bank account number in order to begin depositing your paychecks (because they are ready to hire you immediately).

The phony job sites normally need you to "register" before you can access the job posts, but you may be able to choose the "job" you want first and then fill out your details. There may or may not be any employment (fake or real) advertised on these websites.

• There is no way to reach them.

If crucial information such as the sender's signature, the company's address, or a phone number are absent from the emails you get, it's likely a hoax. While looking for a job can be a difficult and unpleasant experience, don't give up and take the first opportunity that comes your way without checking it out first.

• URL with a bad vibe

You visit the firm website, which was either listed with the job posting or sent to you by the recruiter, as part of your due diligence. Check the URL to see if the company name is spelled correctly.

A long and complicated URL may be a bad indicator because most companies want their website URL to be short and sweet so that Google can readily recognize their page. If there is one, you should also look up the country code. Compare the URL to what you already know about the job posting if it appears to be from another country.

• Job postings and letters written in a clumsy manner

This isn't the first time you've seen this: When you scan a job posting or receive an email, you notice that the wording is... off. It could be extremely formal and awkward, or it could be riddled with spelling and language faults.

This will not be tolerated in a professional setting. A job advertising should be simple to read and comprehend, but that doesn't rule out the possibility of a mistake. Consider this: what would it be like to work for a company that has an unprofessional and awkward job posting?

• Pay is too good to be true 

If you're looking for work, you're undoubtedly aware of the typical income for your position and experience level. Be cautious if you see a job posting for a position that pays two or three times the average income.

Even if a company wants to get the best of the best, it can usually do so by offering a pay that is slightly higher than the competition's. It's terrible business to pay twice the going rate, and it's unlikely to happen. You've heard it before: if something appears to be too good to be true, it most likely is.

• The recruiter's email address is generic.

You should anticipate a company email address from everyone you communicate with, whether it's a recruiter from a recruiting agency or an HR representative from the hiring organization. If the recruiter uses a free email service like Gmail or Yahoo, they're either unprofessional or not legit. You'll want to move on in either situation.

• Using a messaging service to request an interview

Remote interviews are becoming more common in an increasingly digital age. There are, nevertheless, some basic principles that must be followed. Phone or video conferencing software, such as Skype or Zoom, is still used for most interviews. Using a text or chat service is unethical and can help a scammer conceal his identity.

Simply said, no respectable employer will invite you to a job interview via a messaging program.

Do not respond to the job posting or email until you have confirmed that the employer and job are authentic. Also, don't give any personal information to the recruiter/employer or the website. If you're not sure if an opportunity is authentic, don't register a resume or create a profile. Here are steps you can take to protect yourself from such scams;

Look into the company 

Assume you receive a call from a "recruiter" asking you to apply for a job. According to them, you'd be ideal for an open position based on your qualifications and work experience. That isn't to say that the job isn't valid (or the recruiter is who they claim to be). Always do your homework on the recruiter and the position. To determine if the recruiter/hiring manager is a real person, conduct investigation to see if you can locate any information on them.

Make a direct contact with the company.

A hiring manager may contact you about a possible position. They may include all of the job data, but not the most important one: the company that is hiring for the position. You should know the name of the company you're interviewing for, even if they say they can't reveal it because they'll lose the potential commission involved with placing you in the position.

If the recruiting manager refuses to tell you, it could be a hint that you're being duped. So check with the company you're considering to see if a) the job recruiter works for them and b) the position you're looking for exists.

Related: What to Wear to a Physical Job Interview

Question the communication 

To keep up with technological advancements, the job interview process has developed considerably over time. Almost everything is done online these days, from job applications to interviews, which are increasingly taking place via video conferencing, especially for remote employment.

However, when it comes to using technology for hiring, there are still a few red flags, such as using email or instant chat. A job interview will not be conducted through instant message or email by any recruiting manager or supervisor worth their salt. You may be contacted via email at first, but you should still have a phone or video interview—or both—following that.

Even as the number of real remote job opportunities continues to rise, online job scams remain a worrying aspect of the work-from-home job market. Although this settlement is promising, job searchers should not relax their guard—there are still many, many more frauds out there.

Although it is unlikely that employment fraudsters will ever go away, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and prevent becoming a victim of one. Using a trustworthy job search site such as My CV creator will assist you in finding a legitimate online job faster, easier, and, most importantly, safer.

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