As unemployment rises, so does the numerous jobs scam in India. In December, India’s unemployment rate rose to 8.3%, the highest in 16 months, data from the Mumbai-based Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) showed.
It has become imperative to know how to identify and protect yourself from them. A job scam is a fraudulent/fake job offer that aims to extract money or personal information from unsuspecting job seekers. Job scams come in different forms, from fake job postings to phishing emails that request sensitive information. Here are ten ways to identify and protect yourself from job scams.
- Research the company thoroughly: Before applying for a job or accepting an offer, research the company thoroughly. Check the company’s website, social media accounts, and read reviews on Glassdoor or other job review sites. Make sure the company has a physical address and phone number.
- Beware of job postings that sound too good to be true: If a job posting promises a high salary for little work or seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of job postings that require little experience or education but offer significant pay.
- Check the job description for errors: If the job description is poorly written or contains errors, it may be a sign of a scam. Legitimate job postings are typically written professionally and clearly.
- Beware of requests for payment: If a company requests payment upfront for training or equipment, it is likely a scam. Legitimate employers do not ask for payment from employees.
- Be cautious of unsolicited emails: If you receive an unsolicited email offering you a job, be cautious. Scammers often send unsolicited emails claiming to be recruiters or HR managers.
- Don’t provide personal information upfront: A legitimate employer will not ask for personal information upfront, such as your Aadhar card or bank account details. Be cautious of any request for personal information before an interview or job offer.
- Check the email address and website: Scammers often create fake email addresses and websites to trick job seekers. Make sure the email address and website are legitimate and match the company’s name.
- Use job search websites: Job search websites, such as LinkedIn, WorkIndia, have measures in place to prevent job scams. Use reputable job search websites to find job opportunities.
Most important of all, trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. If a job offer or job posting seems suspicious, trust your instincts and avoid it. It is also highly recommended that if you come across a suspected job scam, report it to the relevant authorities and not just protect yourself, but others as well. Stay safe while job hunting!
(The author is Nilesh Dungarwal, Co-Founder and COO, WorkIndia, and the views expressed in this article are his own)
