Whilst Job scams can be devastating, they have become increasingly common; and it’s important to understand how to identify them and avoid.  

First, it's important to understand that job scams come in many different forms, but they all have one thing in common: they're designed to take advantage of people who are looking for work. Some scams are more obvious than others, but all of them can be devastating if you fall victim to them.

What are the common job scams? 

One of the most common types of job scams is the "work from home" scam. With the introduction of hybrid working, these scams have become very common and easy to fall into.  In this type of scam, you'll be offered a job that allows you to work from home, often doing data entry or other simple tasks. The catch is that you'll have to pay a fee upfront to get started, and then you'll never hear from the company again. This type of scam is easy to spot because legitimate employers don't ask you to pay money upfront to work for them.

Another common type of job scam is the "mystery shopper" scam. In this type of scam, you'll be offered a job as a mystery shopper, where you'll be paid to evaluate different stores and restaurants. The catch is that you'll have to pay a fee upfront to get started, and then you'll be sent on random chases to stores that don't exist or don't participate in the program. Once again, legitimate employers will not ask you to pay money upfront to work for them.

"Multilevel marketing" is also another type of scam. With this one, you'll be offered a job selling products or services to your friends and family, and you'll be promised big rewards if you recruit other people to do the same. The catch is that you'll have to buy the products upfront, and then you'll have a hard time selling them. The people you recruit will also have a hard time selling the products, so you won't make any money. This type of scam is also referred to as a pyramid scheme, and it's illegal in most countries.

How can you avoid a job scam? 

Research the company. Before you apply for a job, do some research on the company to make sure it's legitimate. Look for reviews and testimonials from current and former employees, and check the company's website to make sure it looks professional and legitimate.

Don't pay money upfront. Legitimate employers won't ask you to pay money upfront to work for them. If a job requires you to pay a fee or buy products before you can start working, it's probably a scam.

Be wary of "too good to be true" offers. If a job offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate employers don't offer high-paying jobs with no experience required.

Don't give out personal information. Never give out your social security number, bank account information, or other personal information unless you're sure the company is legitimate.

Trust your instincts. If something seems off about a job offer, trust your instincts and don't apply for the job. It's better to be safe than sorry.
 

Job scams are a real threat, but by being vigilant and following the tips outlined in our blog, you can protect yourself from falling victim to them. Remember, identify approaches or posts that seem suspicious, conduct thorough research, and do not hand over any money.