LIST: 16 common job scams and how to avoid them

Thanks to the internet, it is easier to apply for work nowadays. However, caution is advised, as scammers take advantage of the latest technology to fool aspiring jobseekers. 

Some scammers trick applicants into giving away money or personal information to secure a role. Worse, others may fool jobseekers into performing illegal activities. 

READ: How to avoid AI travel scams for your next vacation

Fortunately, this article can help prospective employees spot these job scams to land a dream role safely.

What are the most common job scams?

Scammers use numerous strategies to trick people into sharing sensitive data and money, and the latest technologies have expanded their toolkit. Job search platforms Indeed and Flexjobs list the following common job scams: 

1. Fake job listings: These come in many forms. Scammers manage to post their fraudulent job listings despite websites cracking down on them. 
2. Imposters: Scammers could hide their job scams by pretending to be reputable agencies and government organizations.
3. Email offers: Jobseekers may receive an email from a stranger claiming to be a recruiter who found their resumes on a job portal.
4. Informational material: Craftier scammers may charge money for “informational material” that claims to increase the chances of getting hired.
5. Online messaging interviews: Some may send a direct message claiming that the recipient was the a finalist for a position. Usually, these are suspicious because they typically mention roles the recipient never considered.
6. Money laundering: One of the more devious job scams involves convincing someone to accept money, then transfer it to another account while keeping a percentage.
7. Career consulting: A person posing as a career consultant may reach out to praise a jobseeker’s resume and then suggest paying a fee to improve it.
8. Shipping schemes: A scammer might offer a lucrative salary for repackaging and reshipping goods and compensation for shipping fees. This often fools a victim into shipping stolen goods without receiving the promised payment. 
9. Government jobs: Brazen scammers may pose as government agents to offer fake job scams as legitimate public sector positions. 
10. Equipment purchases: A fake employer might require you to submit payment for remote work equipment before offering a position, then cease contact and keep the money.
11. Envelope stuffing: Fake job scams may ask individuals to stuff envelopes at home for a surprisingly high weekly salary. However, they often require a one-time payment before starting. Afterward, victims may receive a paper instructing them to recruit another person for the scam.
12. Data entry scams: Fraudsters might claim that high wages can be earned for minimal work through remote data entry. Unfortunately, they often trick victims into paying for training or sharing bank account information.
13. Mystery shopper jobs: Another scam involves a fake remote job that requires shopping online or in person and then evaluating a retailer’s customer service. 
14. Resale gigs: Fraudsters may fool unsuspecting jobseekers into purchasing discounted items and then reselling them for profit. However, they fail to send the items after payment is made.
15. Cryptocurrency scams: Bitcoin’s popularity has enabled fraudsters to promise huge earnings by purchasing a specific digital currency. Unfortunately, these are often job scams. 
16. AI-generated jobs and companies: Artificial intelligence has made it easier for scammers to create fake job postings and company websites. 

READ: How to avoid Gmail verification scams

How to protect yourself from job scams

The US Federal Trade Commission has reminded the public to confirm job offers by researching online. For example, job hunters may look up the name of a company or person plus the words “scam,” “complaint,” and “review.” 

Search results would reveal complaints if they’re fraudsters. Also, it is important to ensure the company’s name is in the email address of the person offering a job. 

READ: How to protect yourself from love scams

If their email address is a personal one with “Gmail” or “Yahoo,” they’re probably offering fake job scams. 

Talk to trusted friends and family to confirm the validity of a job offer. Remember, reputable employers will never charge money for the promise of a job.

More importantly, if you feel that something seems too good to be true, you’re probably right.

If you suspect you’re a victim of an online scam, call the Philippine Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center hotline at 1326. Also, you may contact the CICC via Facebook and Twitter.