How to identify online job scams and avoid them
The digital age has made the job market a tough place to be. While online platforms can provide exciting career opportunities, they also present risks for job seekers who could be targeted by sophisticated cyber scams. The latest reports highlight a worrying rise in employment-related frauds, with job scammers often luring victims with tempting offers of high-paying jobs that require little to no effort, or "guaranteed" income.
Understanding the tactics of scammers
The job scammers can impersonate legitimate companies to offer a "dream job." The end goal is to steal money and personal information from unsuspecting individuals. These scams can take different forms and are spread through social media, unsolicited emails, encrypted chat apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, phone calls, or even real employment websites. In a recent incident, Gurugram Police arrested two individuals for scamming people by falsely promising jobs in a pharmaceutical company.
Job scams: A gateway to identity theft
Scammers initially send a job opportunity to connect with the victim and even conduct interviews for fake jobs when needed. They may then ask for upfront fees to secure a job, pay for onboarding costs, or buy non-existent products. In more sophisticated scams, cybercriminals conducting fake application and onboarding processes can obtain sensitive information such as passport numbers and driver's license details, putting victims at high risk of identity theft.
Who is most vulnerable?
Scammers often target people based on their online behavior, financial circumstances, needs, and susceptibility to certain types of persuasion. People desperately seeking employment or those who have been jobless for an extended period are particularly vulnerable. University students and recent graduates seeking work experience in tough job markets are increasingly becoming targets of these scams. Immigrants can also be especially susceptible due to unfamiliarity with legitimate employment processes.
Tips to protect yourself from job scams
To avoid falling victim to job scams, use only legitimate job boards and networking sites, which verifies recruiters with a visible badge on their profiles. Don't respond to non-corporate emails/messages offering unsolicited employment opportunities with high returns. Conduct thorough research by verifying the legitimacy of the offer, and checking the company's official website. Never agree to receive/transfer funds through your own bank account on behalf of someone else for a commission.
