When looking for jobs, it’s important to be able to make out if a job advert is a scam. These scams are intended to trick people into giving out personal information, or even giving money. Being able to distinguish between a scam and a legit opportunity gives you piece of mind when looking and applying. Here are a few things you should look out for to help keep your information safe and hassle free.
Fake job listings
Knowing where to look for jobs is important to avoid any scammers. For example, job sites such as Indeed have specific measures in place to verify legitimate employers (1). However, anybody can post job listings to social media channels. This can be anything from creating fake profiles with the company logo, to posting job ads into Facebook job groups.
Text scammers
Have you received a text message from a ‘recruiting agency’ asking if you are looking for a new job?
I have had these many times and not just through text message.
These types of scams are someone trying to be someone else. This can be pretending to be a recruiter or even posing from the government.
Email send outs
You may have received emails from recruiters, saying that they have found your CV and would think you’d be a perfect for their client. Some of these can be legitimate, however scammers may use a different email address and purposely ask for personal information such as your bank details.
Consulting scam
The scammer may be posing as a careers consultant and can reach out to you personally to see if you need help with your CV or personal statement. They will ask for a fee to do this and then you will never hear from them again.
What are the signs?
If you are not sure what to look out for when it comes to scammers, here are a few things to consider:
- Constant calling to pressure you
- Spelling mistakes in emails
- Non company email
- Pushing for personal details so soon
- Asking for bank details
- Vague job description
It’s sometimes difficult to tell what can be defined as real or fake, especially when scammers are getting better. When it comes to being unsure, here are a few things to think about:
Have you done your research of this company?
Have you done your research of this company?You can search to see if this job is on the official website, or that the email handle you received is also on the website. You can click on their social media link from the official website, to see if the social media is the same, or if a fake account was created instead. If they have none of these, then it’s a scam.
Check for bad reviews/complaints about this certain company
Job sites or social media may have a reviews/comment section where people may be posting that the company or job is a scam. There are also websites you can place the domain to check if it’s legitimate.
Trust your instincts
If the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is (2). If the job pay is high, with little detail on the job description or no experience needed, then it’s a scam. If the company is pressuring you into the job offer and won’t take no for an answer, then this is not legit.
What should you do if you’ve been a victim of employment fraud?
- Stop communication with the agency and report it to the Action Fraud website (3).
- If you have given them any money or provided your bank details, call your bank straight away.
References:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/job-scams (1)
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/recruitment-scams (3)