Fake Jobs

Fake jobs are those that are advertised on job boards, social media, and other platforms, but in reality, they don’t exist. The aim of these adverts is typically to collect personal data from job seekers for illegal purposes - including identity theft. Some red flags for these jobs include vague job descriptions, high salaries for low-skilled jobs, and no interviews or background checks.

Ghost Jobs

Ghost jobs refer to job postings that remain open on job boards long after they’ve been filled. These can sometimes be used by recruiters to collect a pool of candidates for future positions or to give an illusion of business growth or stability. While not overtly harmful, ghost jobs can be extremely frustrating, leading job seekers on a futile application journey.

Scam Jobs

Scam jobs are perhaps the most destructive of the three. These fraudulent jobs often come with lucrative pay packages, easy job tasks, and urgent hiring – making them very tempting. The aim is generally to trick applicants into sharing sensitive information or into transferring money as a part of the application process. A common ploy is the “work-from-home” scam, where applicants are asked to pay upfront for resources or training, and then hear nothing further.

Tips to Avoid Job Scams

1. Research the Company: Conduct a thorough investigation of the hiring company. Genuine companies will have an online presence, including a website and social media profiles.
2. Beware of Personal Email Addresses: If the recruiter’s email address doesn’t match the company’s name or uses a personal email service like Gmail or Yahoo, it’s a potential scam.
3. Don’t Pay Upfront: Genuine job offers will never ask you to pay for training, resources, or equipment as part of the hiring process.
4. High Pay for Easy Work: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be skeptical of jobs offering high salaries for low-skilled work.
5. Protect Your Personal Information: Never share personal details like social security or bank account numbers early in the application process.