What an employment scam can look like

Employment scams have become increasingly sophisticated, taking on various forms that can deceive even the most cautious individuals.

Scammers post fake job advertisements on online job boards, classified ad websites, or social media platforms, offering positions with attractive salaries, benefits, or work-from home opportunities. The jobs may involve tasks such as data entry, envelope stuffing, or processing payments using your own bank account. The trouble is: these jobs don’t exist or involve illegal activities such as money laundering or reshipping scams.

Some scammers pose as employers or recruiters and request payment of upfront fees for job application processing, background checks, training materials, or other expenses. Once the victim pays the fees, the scammer disappears.

Scammers also use phishing emails, fake websites, or online forms to collect sensitive personal information from job seekers under the guise of job applications, employment verification, or background checks. The stolen information can be used for identity theft, financial fraud, or further phishing attacks.

How to spot an employment scam

While a potential job offer can be enticing, it is crucial to remain alert to these warning signs:

• Unsolicited job offers from unknown or unverified sources.
• Prospective employer or recruiter wants payment for upfront fees, training costs, or expenses as a condition of employment.
• Job postings, emails, and correspondence have poor grammar, spelling errors, or are unprofessional.
• A job offer is received without an interview, or any assessment of the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
• Job postings are vague or have generic job descriptions, unrealistic salaries, or promises for quick and easy money.
• A job simply involves receiving money into your account and moving it out.

How to protect yourself

Research prospective employers by checking their website, looking at online reviews, and verifying their contact information. Be cautious of any employers without an online presence, online forms as the only communication option, or negative reviews.

Verify job listings by comparing them to reputable job boards, company websites, or official recruitment channels. If a job offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Don’t make any upfront payments. Legitimate employers generally cover those costs themselves.

Avoid sharing sensitive personal information, including copies of identification documents and bank details, with unknown or unverified employers.

What to do you if spot a job & employment scam

If you see an employment scam, report it to National Anti-Scam Centre - Scamwatch.

If you have lost money as part of the scam, immediately report the transaction(s) to your bank or financial institution and complete a report through ReportCyber.