Job Hunting 101- Don't Get Scammed: Fake Jobs Are, Well…REAL!

The prevalence of fake jobs is a big concern for job seekers. The job search is tough enough and already fraught with anxiety. The last thing you need is a fake listing wasting your time or, worse, putting your personal information at risk. It never ceases to amaze me the lengths bad actors will go to acquire your social security number or bank account information. Unfortunately, scammers prey on eager job seekers with deceptive postings. Our Thought Leadership Team finds preying on job candidates to be one of the most revolting scams out there. With this article we want to make absolutely sure you don’t get caught in a web of deceit. If you have time, check out this link for a scary example of what answering a fake job ad can do. https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/18/22-year-old-goes-viral-for-sharing-job-scam-nightmare-and-red-flags.html

Here are some statistics to highlight the issue:

• High Encounter Rate: A significant portion of job seekers encounter fake listings. PasswordManager.com reports that over 32% of workers who searched for jobs in the past two years came across fake postings [Real vs Fake Jobs: Your 2024 Guide | The HT Group].

• Financial Losses: Fake jobs can have serious financial consequences. According to Surfshark, in the US alone, over $737 million has been lost to fake job offers since 2019. The average loss per victim has also grown significantly, reaching over $12,000in 2023.

But fear not job hunters! By learning the red flags, you can become a scam-spotting pro.

Red Flags to Watch Out For:

• Too Good to Be True: Does the job offer a high salary for minimal work or a "work-from-home" position with no experience required? Be wary of promises that sound too good to be true.

• Shady Source: Reputable job boards like LinkedIn or company career pages are your best bet. Avoid unfamiliar websites or postings with generic titles.

• Unprofessional Posting: Grammatical errors, typos, and vague job descriptions are signs of a scam. Legitimate companies take pride in professional communication.

• Company Shenanigans: Can't find the company website or social media presence? Look for a well-established online footprint with consistent information.

• Phishy Communication: Did you receive an unsolicited job offer via email? Legitimate companies typically reach out after you apply. Be cautious of generic emails and unprofessional contact information.

• Upfront Fees: NEVER pay for an interview or an application. Real companies invest in you, not the other way around.

• Pressure Tactics: Are they rushing you to share personal information? Legitimate hiring processes take time, and a real company will respect your boundaries.

Stay Safe, Stay Savvy:

• Research, Research, Research: Before applying, thoroughly research the company. Check their website, social media, and online reviews.

• Verify Contact Information: Does the email address or phone number match the company website? A mismatch is a red flag.

• Don't Share Sensitive Information: Only share what's necessary for the application. Never send financial information or social security numbers prior to accepting an offer.

• Report Suspicious Listings: If you suspect a scam, report it to the job board or website where you found the listing.

Are you having difficulty finding talented employees to fill your open positions? With 25 years of experience, a 4.8 Google rating, an average experience level of 22 years, our own Thought Leadership Team, and an A+ rating from the BBB, you will quickly see why we’ve built so many permanent, long-term client relationships. Visit our website at www.execsallied.com/employers or Email us at [email protected]. We are here to help!

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