Looking for jobs online is easier said than done. There's a lot of clutter to sort through. It can also be difficult at times to determine whether or not a job posting is legitimate.
I've identified several scams over the last several months. Here are a few tell-tale warning signs:
1. Email accounts that are not associated with a particular company.
If you see an email address that's from Yahoo or Hotmail, for example, odds are that the job posting is a scam. Real job postings originate from actual companies. They should also have a contact form or contact information that you can use to verify if the person that you're receiving messages from actually works there.
2. You have to pay to get a job.
You should never need to pay a company or service anything to work for them. An employer will pay YOU for your time and effort. Sure, there are certain agencies that offer access to opportunities via paid memberships. You can pursue them at your own risk. Some of them may be worthwhile, while others could only be listings for jobs that either aren't available by the time you can get to them or they're just more frustrating than they're really worth.
3. Interviews are conducted by text apps.
I've encountered a few scams where the interviewers have asked me to communicate via WhatsApp, Telegram and other text-only services. If you can't hear a person's voice or see their face on a Google, MS Teams or Skype interview, they've probably got something to hide.
4. The compensation is above industry average.
Take some time to research the average salaries for the positions that you're applying for in your area. If a job offer comes across offering far more than that amount, it's probably a scam. As I've stated in the title of this article, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
5. You're asked to pay for or provide different equipment.
There are a few phony jobs that require certain programs and accessories. Read the descriptions and pay attention to them carefully. For instance, if an employer mandates a software program from 2009, it's not legit. Modern companies update their software regularly.
A company may also ask you to pay for certain items for which you'll be reimbursed. The catch is that they want access to your bank account, credit card or other potentially sensitive information. This should be a huge warning sign. No legitimate company will ever ask for that data or have a candidate pay for the tools they need to do the job. Real jobs will provide the necessary training and equipment to employees at no charge to them.
6. You qualify for multiple positions.
Have you ever applied for one job, and then received a response stating that you're qualified for multiple openings at the same company? I've seen this more than once. The latest scams offer as many as fifteen to twenty different jobs. This can take you by surprise, especially if you've applied to more jobs than you can remember.
When in doubt, email or call the company that is supposedly sending you this offer. If you don't get a response or if the person that you talk to confirms that it's a scam, delete that email. Better yet, block the contact and report it.
These are just a few things that I've noticed recently. Working from home is challenging. It's hard enough trying to find reputable jobs with all of the scams that exist. In time, you'll know what's real and what isn't. Trust your gut instinct. If something feels or sounds wrong, you probably have very good reasons to question it.
Well, that's all for now. Until next time, have a great week, everyone!
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