The online environment does not discriminate: everyone is invited to join. While it is true that global communication has never known such expansion, with companies benefitting massively from it, we cannot look away from the negative outcomes. Fraudulent entities are constantly innovating their dishonest techniques, and a moment of carelessness may easily transform you into their next victim. As a job seeker, you could be targeted by ‘agencies’ or ‘firms’ making fake job offers.
Job scams on the internet are common and they will continue existing as long as people are falling for them. Scam operators make their profits in a multitude of ways, for instance by convincing applicants to pay “advance fees” for trainings. Money laundry is also a purpose behind hiring candidates with UK citizenship and a bank account.
To have an idea on how job scam offers look like, you can go to www.scamregister.co.uk. Either sophisticated or less groomed, such posts may catch the eye of job seekers.
Are you suspicious about a specific job offer? Play the role of the detective and pay attention to the following clues:
- Information about the company is missing or vaguely presented, while the job responsibilities are very precise
- The language is faulty and unprofessional
- The time required for completing the tasks is minimal, with maximal financial benefits
- ‘No experience’ is part of the candidate profile
- The email address of the contact person is registered at Yahoo, Hotmail or Gmail, and does not contain the name of the company
- As a job requirement, you should be the holder of a bank account and details are asked for
- Western Union is also part of the picture
- You’re asked for copies of your passport/identity card
- You’re hired without having communicated with the company in any other way than by email
Watch out for these hints, or else you might take a scam for a legit offer. Wondering what the consequences would be? On the one hand, the moment a scammer accesses your bank account details, you can say ‘good-bye’ to your savings and ‘hello’ to unauthorised charges on your credit card. On the other hand, identity theft can leave deep scars on your financial statement or your criminal record. You may wake up one day to find out that a bank loan bearing your name claims your earnings for the next decade.
Stay on the safe side and protect both your finances and your identity. If you are ever in doubt about the existence of a firm, you can simply verify it on www.companieshouse.gov.uk. And if you have sufficient proof that you’re dealing with a scam, take action and report the fraudulent activity on www.oft.gov.uk.
Scammers have most success with tricking candidates desperate for a job. So steer clear of fake job offers and always be alert in your job search.
