Tips and Tricks for Spotting an Online Job Scam

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Have you ever come across a job offer that seems too good to be true? Did you feel that something is off, and you should research more before applying? Well, your gut feeling could just be right.

With the advancement in technology, we now have access to all kinds of information and products and services. However, as technology has made things more convenient for us, it has also given rise to cybercrime. Online fraud has become commonplace and the job market has not been spared either.

If you are on the lookout for a job, you could be vulnerable to such scams. The only way to avoid falling into this trap is to be careful who you trust online. So here are some useful tips to help you distinguish a good opportunity from a fake one.

In case you were wondering, here are the 3 ways to find your job faster using technology

The unsolicited offer letter

If you are offered a job without even applying for it, then it is a clear case of a scam. Many a time, you may be contacted and informed that your resume is shortlisted and only a brief chat over the messenger is required to secure the job. If you come across such calls, ask for additional information about the role and the company to know for sure that it is not a scam.

Asking for financial details to secure a job

Job sites don’t usually ask for your credit card information, at least not till you opt for their premium/paid services. If such information is made mandatory even while registering yourself, know that you are being cheated. Never give out such information and ensure you leave the site as well.

Seeking private information

Confidential information such as social security number, bank account details, or other personal details is not required by job search sites. Therefore, if the site is asking for such data, then exercise caution.

Imprecise content

A vague job description is yet another sign that something is wrong. In case of legitimate offers, such details are clearly specified. Any deviation from this format should warn you off.

Much more than justified pay

There are no free lunches in this world and the same holds true for any job as well. If you are being offered a work opportunity that requires less work from you and yet offers you unbelievably high pay, then it's too good to be true. Thus, you should identify all aspects of the job before going any further.

Requirement for payment

Companies usually outsource the candidate identification process to third party companies. For this, such third parties are paid a service fee as well. However, no company pays individuals for assured placements of candidates, that too without an interview process. Such scam is a common occurrence for overseas placements.

Search results don’t match

All legitimate companies have a presence online, in the form of websites, social media handles, or even featured in news portals. In case you are being interviewed by a company that you cannot find online, you should be wary of it.

Unprofessional emails

Though this may not be a fool proof way to judge a scam, it still works quite effectively. Emails from scammers/bots are usually not well-written. If you spot spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, wrong use of wrong punctuation or capitalization, more than usual, then there is a high chance that it is a phishing process.

No contact information

If the emails you receive are missing important elements such as the sender’s signature, the company’s address or phone number, then there is a good chance that you are being tricked into a scam.

Though looking for the right job can be a frustrating and long process sometimes, don’t give up and give in to such scams. Have patience, the right offer will come your way.

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