5+ Common Job Scams & How to Avoid Them!
5+ Common Job Scams & How to Avoid Them!
Did you recently come across a job post that seemed too good to be true? Well, if you did, beware, it is most likely a job scam. The onset of the digital era has made online job scams very prevalent in India. In a challenging economic set-up, fraudsters find it easy to prey on people’s vulnerability. They know very well how to come across as potential employers and try their best to ensure that innocent and gullible job seekers fall prey to their offer.
So, whether you have recently completed your studies and are set to join the workforce or if you are a professional who is planning to switch jobs, you need to be very careful, so that you can steer clear of trouble and choose only legitimate opportunities.
What is Job Scam?
While job fraud has not been unheard of, with the advancements in technology, such frauds, as well as the fraudsters, are becoming more advanced, sophisticated and more difficult to trace. Fake job posts are created and posted on legitimate as well as not-so-legitimate sources. Such posts often have fake names and contact details, but their advertisements look very convincing. Some victims have reported that they were made to go through a number of interview rounds. The scammers then either try to gain access to an applicant's personal accounts or convince them to pay for training programmes.
Sometimes, scammers pay a small token amount to get the applicant’s bank account details and then steal money.
Common Types of Job Scams and Tips to Protect Yourself From
Listed below are some of the most common job scam along with some tips that you can follow to protect yourself:
1. Work-from-home scam
Work from home, WFH, and job offers are probably the most common job scams. You may come across jobs that do not require you to step out of your home, you only need to have a smartphone, etc. The idea of minimal effort and maximum money itself is proof that the offer is nothing but a job fraud.
Crooks would try to lure you by giving a lot of references and sharing a lot of fake reviews, photographs and experiences, do not fall for any of it.
Tips:
• Block job offers that seem too good to be true.
• If the description seems vague do not proceed.
• Ask the person/ company to send you all the details/ correspondence via email, try meeting the person.
• If the employer asks for any personal information, refuse.
2. Fake appointment letters
Sending false appointment letters to a lot of job seekers and then luring them into training/ supplying their personal; details is another common online job scam. If you receive a letter from a position that you didn’t apply for, or you are offered a job that does not involve any interview, it is most likely a scam
Tips:
• Verify the company’s details from more than one source.
• Do not share any sensitive information. Keep in mind no one would ask you for your account details, OTPs etc.
• Most registered companies use their email in their official domain.
3. WhatsApp job scam
WhatsApp job fraud created a lot of buzz in the past few months. Fraudsters may try to lure you into attractive job offers too. Keep in mind the following tips.
Tips:
• Job offers that come through such messaging apps are typically fake. Approach them with a very critical mindset.
• Be aware and sceptical, and do not refrain from asking questions.
• Do not pass on any personal information.
• In case you encounter any suspicious activity, inform the local authorities.
4. Government job offers
If only getting a government job was so easy. Do not rush onto any such offer without first confirming their validity.
Tips:
• If you did not apply for this government job, do not accept the offer straight away.
• Do not make the mistake of sharing any kind of financial details.
5. Website Cloning
Another way in which the scammer can steal your identity is through website cloning. They may create a phoney employer, post a lucrative offer, present a fancy-looking job position and fabricate the interview.
Tips:
• Verify the employer and the position that is being offered.
• Check for the company website and its social media handles.
• Check for any red flags in any calls/ emails or other modes of communication.
Warning Signs of a Job Scam
Walking away from a job, especially when you have been looking for one for a long time, might be difficult. But you need to be wary. Watch out for these red flags:
1. You receive an amazing interview/ job offer from a seemingly well-established company, however, the email id is very basic.
2. In the initial stages itself, you are asked to produce your personal details such as Adhaar Card, PAN, date of birth, and bank accounts.
3. You are asked to pay a training fee.
4. The job poster contacts only via social media.
5. The job post, website, etc look very vague and show a lot of grammatical/ technical errors.
FAQs on Job Scams
1. What do job scams do?
Fraud people post jobs on job sites as well as social media platforms. By promising you a job they lure you into sharing your personal information or paying for some training.
2. Who can buy cyber insurance?
If you are an adult, you can purchase cyber insurance. With HDFC ERGO, you have the option of including your children (below the age of 18 years) in the policy as well.
Conclusion
Soaring unemployment, layovers and a dearth of good opportunities have made a lot of youngsters scavenge for work. Online opportunities that involve working from home create vulnerability, and schemers find it easy to trap job seekers who are innocent and often desperate. The victims are then cheated and duped of their money.
Staying alert and well-informed is crucial in today’s digital age. Sieving through job scams and finding the right opportunities can be difficult but it is not impossible. Following proper strategies can significantly help you in protecting yourself from scammers. Always go forward with a job post after you have conducted enough research. Be extra careful about the information that you are providing and do not delay reporting any suspicious activity.
If you spend a good amount of time online, it is highly recommended that you invest in a good cyber security insurance policy. Get in touch with cyber insurance for working professionals to learn more about how you can make the most of digital security.
Disclaimer : The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales
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