Internet scams are prevalent, and the job search industry is no exception. Scammers know that there are lots of people out there looking for work and use that to their advantage. If a recruiter contacts you about a job, and your instincts are telling you that something may not be right about the situation, there are common things that job scammers do that can confirm your suspicions.
You can avoid being the victim of an employment scam by being aware of the red flags that give you an indication that the job isn’t legitimate.
While some headhunters may find your resume on a job board or get your contact information via networking, you should do your homework on a company and the position they’re offering you if you didn’t actively apply for the job.
Scammers comb through job sites looking for active job seekers because they know they’ll be more susceptible to falling for the scam. Your desire to find a new job can leave you vulnerable to the con they’re running.
2. The Recruiter Does the Interview Over a Messaging Service
Scammers don’t want you to be able to identify them. Even when they interview via Skype, Zoom, or Google Hangouts, they will either use the audio feature only or have you use the messaging feature.
If the recruiter interviews you by phone, the call will come from a private or masked number you can’t call back. A professional recruiter won’t use instant messaging to conduct interviews.
