Scam-Proof Your Job Hunt
01-10-2024 | By Corporate Dev. Team
A job scam typically involves fraudulent schemes where scammers deceive jobseekers with false job opportunities to extract money, personal information or other valuable resources.
These scams can take various forms but they generally share common characteristics:
01 Fake Job Listings
Scammers create fake job advertisements that seem legitimate, often posted on reputable job portals, social media or unsolicited emails. These listings may use the names of real companies or entirely fictitious ones.
02 Advance Fee Fraud
Scammers ask jobseekers to pay upfront fees for various purposes such as application processing, training materials, visa arrangements or security deposits. Once the fees are paid, the scammers disappear and the job opportunity never materialises.
03 Personal Information Theft
Scammers may collect personal information from jobseekers through fake application forms or interviews. This information can be used for identity theft or sold to malicious entities.
By analysing your job search experiences, you can identify areas for improvement and implement changes for future opportunities.
04 Work-from-Home Scams
These scams promise high earnings for minimal effort, often involving data entry, envelope stuffing or reshipping products. Jobseekers are typically required to pay for training or start-up kits, which end up being worthless.
05 Phishing Scams
Scammers send emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate companies, asking jobseekers to provide personal information or click on malicious links, leading to data breaches or financial loss.
06 Fake Recruitment Agencies
Some scammers pose as recruitment agencies and charge jobseekers for their services, such as resume writing, interview coaching or job placement guarantees. These services are often substandard or non-existent.
At Eight Talons Consulting (ETC), we will never request jobseekers to:
- Provide their bank details.
- Pay an upfront fee for a job.
- Receive and transfer money on behalf of ETC.
If you suspect any fraudulent activity relating to ETC, report to us with any relevant information to enquiries@eight-talons.com.
Tips to Protect Yourself from Job Scams
01 Research the Company
Before applying for a job, research the company thoroughly. Visit their official website, check their social media profiles and search for reviews and news articles to verify their legitimacy.
02 Beware of Unsolicited Offers
Be cautious of unsolicited job offers received via email, social media or unsolicited phone calls. Legitimate employers typically do not contact candidates without prior interaction or application.
03 Avoid Upfront Payments
Be wary of job offers that require upfront payments for training, background checks or equipment. Legitimate employers do not ask candidates to pay for job opportunities or associated expenses.
04 Verify Contact Information
Verify the contact information provided in job postings, including phone numbers, email addresses and physical addresses. Use official company websites or directories to confirm legitimacy.
05 Trust Your Instincts
If something feels too good to be true or raises suspicions, trust your instincts and proceed cautiously. Take the time to investigate further and seek advice from trusted sources before proceeding with any job offer.
Final Words
For more information on job scams and the next steps if you have been scammed, please visit scamalert.sg.
For more insights on HR or employment topics, be sure to check out our other articles here.
