Job searching can be a long and terrible process. To make matters worse, fraudsters take advantage of this misery by posting bogus job advertisements and attempt to extort jobseekers. While job scams online may not seem like a major problem, a survey found that flexible jobs for each ad legitimate job, there are about 60-70 scams. Although the spelling and grammar, odd job descriptions and unreasonable demands made by the job posters were once the hallmarks of a scam, con artists today are savvy. Although the unemployment rate is lower than it was a few years ago, some anxious job seekers may be the next victim of a scam job. To help you avoid, we made a list of warning signs that you're dealing with a swindler instead of a potential employer.
Before application
Beware of false branding. Confident workstation or investigation based on a single company name is not enough, the fraudsters have been known to use the names and logos of actual companies. The problem is so severe that some companies, such as GE, has a page devoted to the address. Whenever you are unsure of the legitimacy of a job, there are a couple of things you can do. First, you must ensure that you Google the company and check whether the sites and details of the work you will find similar sites and details you have been linked to. Often you will find the official page of the company (s) on Google you can use to reach someone in the human resources department or find the display on the company's page to verify the authenticity a workstation or communication you received about a potential job.
If you can not find the job posting on the site or contact a representative of HR, you can use a site like WHOIS dedicated to checking the owner of the domain names and where the application is granted. Simply connect the company's domain name (as shown in the email or display a job) and information appear. Results indicate that the domain name is owned by someone other than the company likely means the job is a scam.
generic addresses messaging and incomplete websites. A scammer is generally not able to create an email address @ company_name.com and often use Gmail, Yahoo or other free email providers. This is almost always a bad sign, unless you are specifically applying for a position at one of these free email providers. While there may be times when someone just started a business and has not created a domain name, that at least shows a lack of professionalism - especially as the names area are relatively easy to buy and implement. This same rule applies to a company's website. Although many scammers are tech savvy, some may have pages that are "under construction" or poorly designed with little to no information. These incomplete or very simplistic sites can often be a sign of a scam. That said, it is also important to note that some companies as a local café, may not have a website at all. At the end of the day, common sense should tell you if a company or is likely to have a website which not.
enthusiastic unsolicited offers. After a while, it's hard to keep track of where you have applied, and sometimes you can find an offer or application in your inbox asking you to apply for a certain position immediately. Scammers often do not have to jump through hoops to approach you in a way that feels timely, familiar and / or relevant. If you opt for features like "CV searchable" on sites like CareerBuilder, and scammers know about what you want. While you may think you are doing yourself a favor by features like these allow, they are more trouble than they are worth, as you do your essential information visible to everyone. As such, the fraudsters can use this information to send you free new "opportunities" or pretend that you have an excellent application with them. Bolder scammers also claim to share mutual contacts or be a part of your existing network and pitch you potential job matches. To fight against these scammers, you'll want to make sure that you review any unsolicited radiation LinkedIn and other job sites and email. As you submit job applications, keep a running list of which companies you have applied to so that you can cross reference any inquiries. While all unsolicited communications are not inherently bad, you'll be more vigilant if you remember what you actually asked and who is in your network.
During the process of application
forced credit checks. While it is normal to fill a job before you are prompted for a personal interview, some job scammers take a little further and you need also submit a credit check. Often, the applicant will be sent to a credit rating of site selection crook. If you click this link, you may be falling for a phishing scam or even signing up for a dubious credit reporting service that will likely charge you some ridiculous amount of money or steal your identity.
The key to avoiding this type of phishing is to scrutinize any and all links sent to you by email. While some links sent via email may be legitimate, just a bad link to your identity being stolen. If you are not sure how to verify the legitimacy of a link, it is best to get help from an Internet security software, as it will alert you of potentially dangerous Web pages before visiting them. Another great rule to remember is if you are asked to pay for any aspect of your job application, it is likely a scam - almost no trust company shall candidates paid out of pocket for the mandatory aspects of the process
.After applying
The switch-and-bait. This is not a scam in itself, but it is certainly misleading and often seen as a scam by job seekers. Short positions are most exemplary of this, usually involving a plaintiff who deceived think they are applying for professional work with an extremely high salary in a popular area. As these positions are almost always listed as entry level, they are targeting college graduates and high school looking to earn a decent wage. When it's time for the applicant to come for an interview (even if one is), the interviewer often dodge questions about pay and benefits or provide very general answers. Although some employers may actually be offering you some kind of work, they are usually very different positions (often based commission with little to no hourly) you thought you are applying. If you find yourself in such a situation, recognize that society and / or the interviewer may not be as honest as they appear - probably a quality you do not want a potential employer - and not be afraid to ask to be removed from the list of potential candidates.
If you feel you have been hit by a scam, you can report it to several groups, including the Federal Trade Commission, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center or Better Business Bureau.
In addition, it may be advantageous for you to invest in an identity protection service when you apply for jobs because you'll send your information to many potential employers who may or may not to store or destroy personal information, such as your name or home address, safely and appropriately. Most protection services against identity theft come with a free trial that allows you to test the service before making a financial commitment. Read our reviews of the best services protection against identity theft to learn more and follow our blog for protection against identity theft to see how you can protect yourself against scams.