Many of us have encountered a dishonest employer during a job search, and some have even lost money. We’ve compiled a top 10 list of tips to help you search for work safely and avoid being tricked by scammers.
1. Unrealistically High Salary. Be wary if an employer offers a very high income for minimal work. This is often accompanied by a complete lack of requirements for the candidate—qualifications, experience, and knowledge seem irrelevant.
How to protect yourself: Ignore such ads. Legitimate employers do not pay exorbitant sums to candidates without relevant experience. Research the market, benchmark salaries at reputable companies in your field, and understand the typical pay range for the role.
2. Payment in Obscure Currency. Payment in Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc., isn’t inherently bad, but very, very few companies pay salaries in cryptocurrency. Unfortunately, you’ll likely end up with nothing for your work.
How to protect yourself: Do your due diligence. Find current employees of the company on LinkedIn or Facebook to verify its legitimacy. If the proposed currency is unfamiliar, it’s best to decline the offer.
3. Unpaid Internship or Trial Period. The employment relationship begins on the first working day. All internships and probationary periods must be paid.
How to protect yourself: Familiarize yourself with labor laws or consult someone who understands them.
4. “Please Click This Link…” Messages from unknown numbers or invitations in messengers asking you to click a link. Such requests may contain hidden malware designed to give a scammer access to your mobile banking.
How to protect yourself: Use a caller ID app and never click on suspicious links from unknown sources.
5. Anonymous Employer. No physical office, no reviews from clients or former employees.
How to protect yourself: Don’t hesitate to ask the employer for the company’s official registration number or tax ID.
6. Requests for Payment. No legitimate employer will ever ask a candidate for money. Excuses vary: payment for “mandatory” training, access to work systems, or use of equipment. Sometimes scammers pose as intermediaries guaranteeing 100% placement after you pay for a course. Remember: the employer pays you, not the other way around.
How to protect yourself: Vigilance is your best tool. Never transfer money under any pretext.
7. “Secure” Payment Systems. The employer promises payment via a “secure platform.” This could be a phishing site designed to steal your card details. All payment terms should be clarified during the interview or in the first days of employment.
How to protect yourself: If an employer asks for your full card number, the CVV code, or SMS verification codes, do not provide them. Insist on direct payment to your bank account or verified e-wallet.
8. Everything Must Be Legal. To appear legitimate, an employer might be involved in illegal activities and could involve you as an intermediary.
How to protect yourself: Thoroughly inquire about the company’s specific activities and the exact duties of the position.
9. The Employer Won’t Say How They Got Your Details. Many scammers are after personal data and may ask you to fill out a form on their site or sign several “similar-looking” documents during a meeting.
How to protect yourself: Never send passport scans or share compromising information. Never sign documents without reading them thoroughly, especially blank forms.
10. Agree on Terms Upfront. If agreement on terms is dragged out, and in project work you’re constantly asked to “redo” or “finish” things, you’re at risk. You might send a completed design or draft, and the dishonest employer gets the finished product without paying.
How to protect yourself: A reputable employer agrees on all terms clearly and upfront, primarily to ensure quality and timely delivery. Do not agree to collaborate without an advance payment or a formal contract securing payment for your work.
Stay vigilant and value your work!
Image: Freepik
