Are you applying for a job on the job board? How sure are you it is a real job opportunity from a real company and not a job scam?
Sometimes, job seekers get desperate and will take any job they can find. Unfortunately, there are people out there who will take advantage of this desperation and scam people out of their hard-earned money.
According to CNBC, Americans were scammed out of $86 million due to fake business and fake job opportunities in just 3 months. There is a growing trend of such trend since 2018 as reported by the Federal Trade Commission.
How to Identify Warning Signs of Job Scams
Job scams is very common, and scammers are constantly coming up with new ways to trick people into giving them money or personal information. However, you can avoid job scams when you know what warning signs to watch out for.
When you’re job hunting, it’s important to be able to spot a scam. With so many people looking for work, scammers are taking advantage of the situation by posting fake job ads.
The most obvious sign is that “if a job ad is vague and doesn’t provide much information about the position, it could be a scam.” Here are some warning signs that a job may be a scam.
1. The job ad is vague and doesn’t provide much information about the position
When you are looking at a vague job ad that doesn’t provide much information about the position. This can be a warning sign that the company is not legitimate, or that they’re trying to hide something about the job.
To the scammer, the information about the job description is irrelevant, as their target is anyone who is willing to get scammed by them.
If you see a job ad like this, it’s important to do some additional research before applying.
2. The company name is not listed, or the website looks suspicious
When you see red flags like these, the company might be using a fake name, or because they are hiding something about their business.
All legit businesses are listed on the government website. The absence of a government-issued business registration number often shows that there is something wrong, it is always best to do some online research into the company and its reputation.
In the United States, all businesses need to have an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is an identification number provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to every U.S. business, whether incorporated or not, with or without employees.
While the naming of this government-issued number can vary widely between countries, all legit businesses should have this number.
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Federal Tax Identification Number
- Tax ID Number (TIN)
- Unique Entity Number (UEN)
3. The contact information is incomplete or incorrect
When you come across a job listing that has incomplete or incorrect contact information, it is a warning sign that the listing may be a scam.
Scammers will often create fake listings in order to try and steal personal information from unsuspecting job seekers, while not wanting to provide you with their real information.
If you come across a listing with incorrect or incomplete contact information, it is best to avoid applying for the position.
4. The job description is unbelievable or too good to be true
A warning sign for a job scam is when the job description sounds too good to be true. Scammers will often try to lure victims by promising them a job with a false or misleading description. By being aware of this, you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim of a job scam.
5. The salary is too good to be true
Who doesn’t like to get an easy job that pays well?
But when you come across a job posting that seems too good to be true, it’s likely a scam.
If the salary is significantly higher than average for the position, it’s probably a scam.
The scammers are counting on people being desperate for work and willing to take any job that pays well, regardless of the other red flags.
Don’t let yourself be scammed!
6. You’re asked to pay for something in order to apply or interview for the position
When a job listing requires that an applicant pay a fee in order to apply or to secure an interview, it is a warning sign that the job may be a scam.
Job seekers should be wary of any position that asks for payment upfront, as this is often a sign that the listing is not legitimate.
There are many scams in which applicants are asked to pay a fee in order to secure a job, but the position does not actually exist.
7. You’re asked for personal information before you’ve even had a chance to learn more about the position
When you are seeking a job, be wary of any opportunity that asks for personal information before providing any details about the job itself.
This is because many scammers will create fake job postings in order to get your personal information such as your Social Security number or bank account information. They may also ask you to pay them money in order to “apply” for the job or to buy training materials.
The scammers may use your personal information to commit identity theft or to obtain financial information.
The best way to avoid becoming a victim of a job scam is to research the company before applying for any position.
8. The job ad is posted in multiple cities at once, or all over the country, with no explanation
Job scammers often post the same ad in multiple locations in order to reach a larger audience of potential victims.
By doing this, they increase their chances of finding someone who is desperate enough to take the job, without caring about the details.
The lack of explanation in the ad may also be an indication that the company is not legitimate and is only interested in taking advantage of the desperation of people regardless of their education and qualification.
9. The job ad does not include the name and contact information of the employer
When an employer does not include their name or a reasonable amount of contact information in a job advertisement, it is often a scam where the job advertisement itself is to take advantage of unsuspecting job seeks.
Contact information such as the following is some of the basic information that should be listed in most job advertisements;
- Phone number
- Email address
- Office physical address
Nonetheless, the physical address might not be present for some businesses if it is an online business with no physical outlet, but all businesses should have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or “Federal Tax Identification Number”, “Tax ID Number” or “TIN”.
This is because legitimate employers want to ensure that potential employees have all the information they need to make an informed decision about whether or not to apply for the position.
If an employer is not willing to include this basic information, it raises red flags about their intentions.
Found a Job Scam, Now What?
When you’ve identified a job scam, it’s crucial to take action promptly to protect yourself from potential harm and loss. Here’s a concise guide on what to do in such a situation:
- Cease Communication: The first step is to stop all communication with the supposed employer, especially if you’ve had suspicions about the legitimacy of the job posting. Do not provide any more personal information.
- Contact Job Boards or Platforms: If you found the job listing on a job board or platform, report the suspicious listing to the platform administrators. This helps prevent other job seekers from falling into the same trap.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off during the job application process, trust your gut feeling. Scammers often rush applicants into making hasty decisions. A legitimate hiring process usually involves more thorough evaluation.
- Beware of Immediate Job Offers: Be cautious if you receive an immediate job offer without a proper interview process. Legitimate companies take the time to assess candidates’ qualifications and suitability for the role.
- Avoid Paying Fees: Never pay any fees to apply for a job or secure an interview. Legitimate employers do not ask for money upfront. Scammers often use this tactic to exploit job seekers.
- Watch for Red Flags: Keep an eye out for warning signs, such as vague job descriptions, unbelievably high salaries, or incomplete contact information. These are often indicators of a scam.
- Protect Your Personal Information: Be extremely cautious about sharing personal information, such as Social Security numbers or bank account details, especially early in the application process. Scammers may use this information for identity theft.
- Check with Trusted Sources: Consult sources like the Better Business Bureau and job scam trackers to see if there have been reported issues with the company or job listing.
- Report the Scam: If you believe you’ve encountered a scam, report it to the appropriate authorities. This can help in taking legal action against fraudulent activities.
Remember, it’s essential to be vigilant when searching for jobs online.
Always trust your instincts, and if something doesn’t feel right, take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and financial security.
Why Do You Need To Know The Warning Sign For A Job Scam
Scammers are continually coming up with new tactics, and by staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from falling victim to job scams.
If you are ever unsure about a job offer, it is always best to err on the side of caution and not pursue it.
Otherwise, if you are ever in doubt about a job listing, be sure to research the company and contact them directly to verify the listing.
By being informed and aware, you can avoid falling victim to a job scam.
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