Outsmarting Job Scams: Be Your Own Sherlock Holmes
Job scams are getting craftier as the job market shifts and work-from-home opportunities evolve. Scammers, posing as legitimate recruiters, are trying to pull a fast one on job seekers. But don't worry; we've whipped up a guide to help you spot these scams and stay ahead in your job search game!
🕵️♀️ Red Flags: Job Scams in Disguise 🚩
Be wary of:
Half-ass emails with typos and grammatical errors
Rude, too short (no offense Short Kings), or off-putting communication
Unverifiable identities via email or LinkedIn (A recruiter without LinkedIn is often called “A Big Ass Red Flag”... it's a legitimate industry term, I am not making this up)
The interview isn't face-to-face or on a secure video call but is on a sketchy teleconferencing app with an email instead of a phone number. "Recruiters" using some sort of chat for the whole interview? Nah, not a thing, it doesn’t happen.
"Employers" contacting you via non-company email domains or apps. A scammy email might look like: jane.doe@companyname.careers instead of jane.doe@companyname.com. Or the email domain appears legitimate but, upon further inspection, has a typo.
They ask you to purchase start-up equipment or pay for background checks. Gunna be a no from me, dawg.
Any request for your SSN, Bank Account Details, or Credit Card Information.
Job postings on random job boards that are, for some reason, mysteriously missing from the company's website. (Like, why would that be a thing? “Hey, let's pay to post on XYZ page but not our owned and operated website!”)
The recruiters or managers are missing from the job board, or their profiles are wonky and mismatched.
The salary is unrealistically sky-high. (Sorry, but the $75/hr fully remote data entry job might possibly be a scam)
🛡️ Suit Up: How to Protect Yourself 🦸♀️
Put your super snooper trooper detective cap on and Google the company/person's name along with "scam," "review," or "complaint." Are there more red flags popping up? Trust your gut! … Unless you have IBS, then follow your heart instead.
Verify the company's legitimacy through the Better Business Bureau's directory.
Reach out to the employer directly using your own investigative skills to confirm the job's legitimacy.
Never hand over money or personal financial info during the hiring process.
Don't dive into a job offer without carefully evaluating it first.
📞 Due Diligence and Asking for Help: Your Best Allies 🗣️
Remember, with determination and vigilance; job scams don't stand a chance! If you are ever in doubt, book a general consultation with us, and we will be happy to help you determine the legitimacy of a job opportunity.
https://www.nickmartuscelli.com/services-for-jobseekers