Open to work? In today’s competitive job market, applying for jobs can be overwhelming, especially if you’re feeling desperate to land a new position. This sense of urgency can sometimes cloud your judgment and make you more vulnerable to employment scams that could cost you.
If you’re open to work, look out for these 3 red flags when considering new opportunities:
1. Sneaky Checks
Your new employer sends you a check to buy equipment. Sounds awesome, right? Wrong. These checks often bounce, leaving you in a financial pickle.
• Buying your own equipment is not normal. Companies typically provide their employees with necessary equipment.
• The check is written for more money than needed or agreed upon with instructions to send back unused funds.
2. Exaggerated Offers
We all dream of making big bucks, but if the salary sounds like you’ve hit the jackpot, it might be bait. Here’s what to keep an eye out for.
• The offer is much higher than what’s typical for that role or industry.
• The employer wants to pay you through an unconventional method like gift cards or cryptocurrency.
3. Urgent Favors
You’ve just started your new job, and suddenly, the CEO texts you for an urgent favor. Unless you were hired as their personal assistant, this is likely a scam. Remember, urgency can encourage you to act without thinking. Take a moment to analyze the message.
• This message would likely come from an unusual sender and be riddled with typos.
• Consider how the sender got your personal contact information in the first place.
When job offers sound like a dream, take a step back and fact-check. Here are a few additional precautions to protect yourself.
• Check the company's website, LinkedIn, and reviews on sites like Glassdoor. A thorough search will reveal the legitimacy of the company and its reputation.
• Call the company’s official number to confirm the recruiter’s legitimacy.
• Look for typos, unusual domains, and anything that seems off in emails and messages.
• Verify contacts and the legitimacy of the job offer before providing any personal or financial information.
• Take your time and review offers carefully. Scammers often try to rush you into making quick decisions.
Remember, if something feels off, it probably is. Stay savvy, job seekers! May your job hunt be scam-free and full of genuine opportunities.
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