You open your email and see an invitation to start your dream job. While this seems like a cause for celebration, don't pop the champagne cork just yet. Scammers often target job seekers in an attempt to obtain money or private information they can use to steal your identity. Before you respond to an ad or an email, consider some of these indicators that the job might not exist. Take a look at these top signs that the job being offered is likely a scam.
1. Overpayment for Menial Jobs
If an advertisement promises high pay for menial jobs that don't require experience or skills, it's likely a scam. One example are the ads that promise to pay top dollar for stuffing envelopes, a simple task anyone can do. When job seekers follow up on such offers, they typically discover that the promises of high pay aren't actually tied to the task of stuffing envelopes.
2. Unprofessional Written Ads or Emails
Legitimate companies usually have professionals write and edit job ads or job-related emails. If you receive an email that contains multiple grammatical, spelling, punctuation or capitalization errors, be wary. Also, watch out for emails or ads that read as if they were written by someone who does not speak fluent or correct English.
3. The Promise to "Work From Home"
Some "work from home" advertisements may be scams. Many legitimate companies provide "work from home" opportunities for freelancers and telecommuters. However, there are also scammers who know that many people are desperate for money and tied to their homes for various reasons. These scammers prey on desperate individuals in an attempt to fatten their own pockets. Always research "work from home" opportunities thoroughly to ensure they're legitimate before providing your personal information.
4. Non-Verifiable Contact Information
If you receive an email from someone claiming to represent a company, compare the sender's physical address, email address and contact number to the company's information. Check the company's website to see if the information in the email appears anywhere. Call the physical office to confirm the legitimacy of the contact and email. If no one in human resources knows the person who contacted you, the person who sent the email might be a scammer.
5. Requests for Money
If a potential employer asks you to pay to access a job listing or to get started, you may be seeing the signs of a scam. Some multilevel marketing companies typically require you to buy the merchandise you're going to sell before officially joining the business opportunity. However, if a company encourages you to buy resell products and merchandise on credit, you may be dealing with a scammer.
6. Requests for Confidential Information
If a potential employer asks for confidential information, such as your Social Security number or birthdate, be wary. Some scammers might even ask for your bank account information, claiming they need it to deposit your paycheck. Human resources representatives generally collect routing and account numbers from a voided check during the hiring process. Never provide this information via email or over the telephone.
7. Vague Job Listings
If an ad promises a high pay rate but doesn't require a resume or explain the specific job requirements or duties, the listing might be a scam. A legitimate employer is typically very specific about the skills, education and knowledge needed for a job, especially one that pays well.
8. Getting Too Personal
A transaction between a prospective employer and a potential employee should be completely professional from start to finish. If an employer asks to see your photo, asks about your personal life or begins sharing personal too much personal information about himself, be wary. Also, a prospective employer should not ask you to come to his home office for the interview or suggest meeting in a non-public place.
9. No Interview
Most managers do not hire employees without interviewing them first. Employers like to get a feel for the person they're hiring and want to discuss their past job and education experiences to determine if they're a good fit. If a company representative seems too eager to hire you and does not conduct an interview, the job might be a scam.
10. Follow Your Instincts
If your instincts make you feel like something is wrong, don't ignore this feeling. Research the company thoroughly, and ask probing questions about the contact person and job listing. Don't succumb to the pressure to make a quick decision.
If you suspect an email or an ad about a job is a scam, don't submit your resume or cover letter to the company, as these documents generally contain personal information a scammer can use to steal your identity. If you discover that a job listing or email from a job recruiter is indeed a scam, consider reporting any information you have about the company to the proper authorities, such as the Better Business Bureau or similar organizations.
Photo Coutesy of Cokolads at Flickr.com
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!