Multiple Faces Detected
February 22nd, 2019
With an updated resume and well-written cover letter in hand, you can secure your dream job, unfortunately, the internet is full of job scams. As you review job offers through LinkedIn, or search through Craigslist or online a percentage of jobs that sound too good to be true, probably are.
How to Tell the Difference Between Legit Jobs and Job Scams
Pay To Get The Job
If you are asked to pay for a certificate or training before being hired, then the position you’re seeking is likely not what it claims. While it’s appropriate for jobs to require their employees have preexisting college degrees or job-related training, experience, or certificates demanding that prospective employees pay for a company’s specific training is often a scam.
When an employer likes your credentials, they should provide on the job training and not require you to front the money before even receiving the job. Another scam is when you are asked to pay for software, your resume review, or a credit report. There are jobs available which won’t cost a thing opt for those.
A Federal or Government Job Through Third Party
Government jobs are not outsourced through third parties who will provide you with a list, for a fee. Interested in a legitimate career with the Federal Government, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/ for a valid list of jobs.
Personal Details Like Social Security Number By Email
Confidential information is not something you should ever share by email. Even if the job requesting those details wasn’t a scam, hackers could later access that secure information. Craigslist is famous for these types of fraud.
They will accept you for a job with great pay, so long as you email them your social security number. They might talk to you on the phone first, but this doesn’t make it any less of a scam. If you are accepting a telecommunications position, only enter personal information on the official website after verifying the site is what it claims to be with no phishing links.
Vague Job Details
Craigslist “Gigs” section is a prime example of this. Unclear job details mean that the person offering the position is trying to trick you or running a scam. A great and worthwhile job will be specific to who it needs and the job’s requirements. A one size fits all job that wants to hire you for unspecified reasons, and an inadequately defined position is probably a scam.
Many Online Complaints
This is often the last thing job seekers do, but it should be one of the first. Search the company via a search engine and on Yelp and read both the positive and negative reviews. Pay particular attention to complaints, as the positive reviews could be fake or scammer or company planted.
Another tip is to search the company’s name, followed by the word ‘scam.’ Not sure if someone you’re communicating with is real, search their phone number and details on a reverse search engine, like Social Catfish.
Lack of Professionalism
Most people make typos. However, if you’re receiving detailed company emails full of spelling errors, typos, and capitalization mistakes, consider them a suspicious red flag.
Even if the emails aren’t indicative of a fake company trying to scam you, they might represent a company lacking in professionalism. Do further review with the prior steps and decide if you want to work for a company like that, or if you might be being scammed.
Intern
Besides the reality that paid intern positions might be unpaid. This is also often an email scam. By asking for untrained interns for pay, the fake job received more replies and then tricks those interested. This can happen in several ways – by garnishing one’s email address or sensitive details, asking the inter to pay for online training or reports, or even getting bank account details.
No Phone Number
If you can’t reach an employer directly, be on guard. Even if you’re applying to a powerful worldwide company, there should be an employee representative, hiring company, or human resources department or individual that you can reach and correspond with.
Not Found via Google
Don’t let this being our 9th tip diminish its importance. Nowadays, almost every business has a web presence. Unless there is a highly valid reason why a company would not appear online if it isn’t showing up be suspicious and find out why.
Still not sure? Trust your intuition first. Complete a Social Catfish search and avoid going to deserted locations for in-person interviews.
Also, be careful about online disclosures. If you know that there is a real company in existence, but aren’t sure that is who you’re corresponding with, try contacting the company’s mainline. From there, inquire about the person, email, or phone number you’ve been in contact with. Even use our reverse image search to verify the identity of the person if available. A legit job won’t mind you doing your due diligence. Scammers sometimes have websites which appear legitimate at first glance, so beware.
