Job scams aren’t a new phenomenon, but in an increasingly digital job market, the scams have become more sophisticated. In a challenging job market, especially in industries where job opportunities are scarce, scam artists target those desperate for work, promising high wages and job security.
For business owners, it’s critical to follow recruitment best practices and beware of job scams using the organization’s name. Job scams that use a respected business’s name can harm its reputation, even though it didn’t play a part in the scam. It’s critical for candidates and business owners to know the red flags associated with job scams.
Verify Open Position
One of the most effective ways to verify the legitimacy of a job posting is to visit the organization’s website directly. Before applying for a position, search for the company’s website instead of clicking on links provided in job advertisements. Fake job listings often have misleading links to harvest personal information. Visiting the company’s website directly to ensure the job is listed and authentic is critical.
For employers, scams are everywhere online, including reputable business social networking sites. It’s common to have links in job advertisements, but it’s important to keep the organization’s website updated with open positions and how to apply.
Guard Personal Finances
The application process isn’t the time to share personal financial information. Job applications shouldn’t request information such as a bank account number, credit card information, or a Social Security number. Financial information shouldn’t be given out freely until an employer is thoroughly vetted. In addition, businesses shouldn’t ask candidates during the hiring process to personally pay for office equipment, training, or background checks, which could be a way to steal money.
Employers need to ensure recruiters use the same standardized recruitment processes. This includes never asking for upfront processing payments and not pressuring for personal information before the hiring is confirmed.
Watch E-Mail Addresses
Job scammers many times use e-mail addresses that look correct, but they may have a slight variation or misspelling. Job candidates should be mindful of any irregularities in e-mail addresses. If candidates are suspicious of an e-mail, they should verify the e-mail with the organization and/or ensure the person who is sending the e-mail exists.
Employers can take steps to ensure their e-mails are as fail-safe as possible. Organizations should verify their e-mail provider offers e-mail authentication technology. By doing so, when an e-mail is sent from a company’s server, the receiving servers can confirm the e-mail is from the organization. If it isn’t, the receiving servers may block the e-mail and thwart a business e-mail imposter. It’s also critical to report any known e-mail scams to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center and the Federal Trade Commission.
Be Vigilant
Jobseekers need to be wary of job scammers, looking at each opportunity with a critical eye and trusting their instincts. If it seems too good to be true, it could be, so do your due diligence.
Employers, too, should protect their business from job scammers. When legitimate employers are impersonated, it can taint brand reputation and lead to fewer desirable applications for critical open roles.
Employers can take proactive steps to identify job scams, including:
- Training employees on how to spot scammers on social media and the subsequent reporting process.
- Regularly updating social media channels, as scammers frequently duplicate a company’s social media. This will help job candidates verify the legitimate company and its job postings.
- Establishing transparent recruiting and hiring processes that are known throughout the organization can help identify and mitigate job scams.
No matter the job market, it’s important for jobseekers and employers to prioritize safety and be diligent. Staying aware of the latest schemes will help protect job candidates, the recruitment process, and the company’s brand reputation.
Jill Chapman is a director of early talent programs, human capital management
with Insperity, a provider of human resources offering the most comprehensive suite of scalable HR solutions available in the marketplace. For more information about Insperity, call 800-465-3800 or visit www.insperity.com.