Job Searching Tips – How to Avoid Employment Scam
Finding a job in a new country can be a stressful experience. If you don’t know how the official hiring process is done in that country or are new to job searching, you can be a victim of an employment scam.
There are many ways to look for a job: by visiting an employment agency/organization, attending job fairs, searching through the company’s career page, or using job searching websites. When using job searching websites like Indeed, Monster, and Workopolis, to name a few, check the job description & requirements. Scammers usually post fake job postings on these websites or social media to trap potential victims. They can pretend to post a job posting on behalf of a big company, which is how people get scammed.
“An employment scam is when someone uses the internet to trick people into thinking they got hired by a company with flexible hours, great benefits, and high salary.”
Online job-searching safety tips to protect you from employment scams:
Double-check the job posting on the job-search website as well as the company’s website.
Cross-check the job posting through the company’s official website when you come across a position you want to apply for. Most companies will have an updated career page where you can submit your resume and apply online for the job. It is recommended to apply directly on the company’s website.
Another tip if you have never heard of the company, search for the company’s name or address on the internet. If there is no information about the company on the internet, it is best to look for other job opportunities. If you are in doubt, you can also ask your friends or family member’s opinion about the job postings.
Be aware if there is no proper job interview process.
A typical job interview usually requires you to meet face-to-face with the interviewer. Either through an in-person interview or a video call interview.
It is an employment scam if the employer only interviews you via phone call or text message. Stop the communication immediately. Never give your confidential information, such as your Social Insurance Number, home address, phone number, or banking information.
Other examples of an employment scam:
- The interviewer asks you to purchase software from them to conduct a virtual interview.
- The interviewer asks you to pay for training before you start working with them.
- The interviewer sends you a cheque to buy work supplies. The cheque will bounce, you end up paying for them, and the money goes to the scammer.
How to identify a fake job offer letter email.
If you receive a job offer letter immediately after you submit your resume or after a phone interview, be extra cautious! A fake offer letter email will have many grammatical errors and no professional information about the employer or the company. They ask you to make an immediate payment to secure the job offer, or they ask you to send your personal information.
The purpose of this employment scam is to get money from you or steal your identity. So, when you come across a job offer that sounds too good to be true, be extremely cautious.
Report the scam
Whether you get scammed or almost got scammed, it is best to report it to the police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). This will help law enforcement to track down scammers and help with prevention and awareness.
Click here to look for examples of job scams that have been reported to CAFC.
Always be extra cautious when you find a job posting through a job-searching website or social media. When in doubt, please conduct research on the company to ensure it is a genuine job opportunity.
