In recent years, Asia has experienced a steep increase in online fraud, and
Malaysia is no exception - especially when it comes to job scams.
Unfortunately, scammers are likely to view job seekers as vulnerable targets,
as many struggle to secure a source of income. For example, a part-time
job scam
syndicate in Malaysia caused losses of over RM1.23 million between January to
June this year, according to police statistics.
Image source: callcentrehelper
As job scams continue to become more sophisticated, Malaysians can play a
collective role in helping others identify red flags and avoid falling prey to
the tactics of bad actors. In the past, scammers relied on fear tactics to get
people to act impulsively - but today they’re focused on building trust online
to ensnare their victims. Some job scams are meticulously crafted to mimic
authentic hiring procedures, creating a convincing illusion of a legitimate
opportunity.
International Fraud Awareness Week
Internationally, Fraud Awareness Week is observed globally during the third
week of November. This year, the event takes place from November 12 to
November 18, with the aim of raising awareness of fraud through prevention
campaigns and education.
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https://nationaltoday.com/
In conjunction with International Fraud Awareness Week, it is crucial to stay
vigilant in identifying potential job scams. As part of our commitment to this
awareness initiative, presented here are the top 10 indicators that a job
offer might be a scam.
Cautious Job Seeker's Guide: 10 Red Flags Signaling Potential Job Scams
1. Unnecessary, repetitive phone calls
Bad actors frequently make repeated calls, attempting to coerce you into
accepting their offer. They often assert that you could miss out on a job
opportunity if you do not respond or agree immediately to their terms.
2. Requests for sensitive information
Bad actors seeking to obtain your information will often demand your
personal details right away. They may ask for documents like proof of
residence or financial statements, promising immediate access to job
opportunities. However, reputable companies typically do not ask for such
documentation until the interview or onboarding process.
3. Sketchy software or fake websites
A reputable employer will use standard and well-known software for online
interviews. If they ask you to install something you’ve never heard of, it
might be a sign that something’s off.
Virtually anyone can create and manage a website, so scammers frequently
establish online platforms posing as fictional employers or fabricate
channels for legitimate companies. A clear red flag with these accounts is
their lack of substantial information or if the company is untraceable and
has no online presence.
4. Unrealistic promises or job offers
If a job listing promises sky-high salaries or benefits that sound too good
to be true, it probably is. Scammers often use these enticing offers to lure
in unsuspecting victims, especially those in desperate financial situations.
5. Unprofessional communication
Pay attention to the language, grammar, and overall tone of the
communication. Legitimate employers typically maintain professional and
polished communications, so if you notice numerous spelling errors, sloppy
language, or inconsistent communication, it may be a red flag. Read more
>
Bank Scammer
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6. No interview is required
Have you ever gotten a job without at least one job interview? If the hiring
process excludes a job interview, and if the employer displays little
interest in you, this could be a sign they are more interested in your
wallet and scamming you. Best case scenario, it’s an employer that doesn’t
place importance on your personality or how well you align with their
company culture, in which case, would you want to work there anyway?
7. Provides malicious links
Be careful when clicking on links during the job application process, as
they may lead to fraudulent applications designed solely to extract your
bank account or credit card information. Bad actors can go to great lengths
to deceive their targets, designing websites and mobile apps that appear
professional and legitimate. If you’re urged to only register as an
applicant via a strange link, it could be a red flag.
8. Vague or incomplete job requirements and descriptions
Real job offers provide clear and detailed job responsibilities and
requirements that closely match the position described. Conversely, fake job
offers and dubious recruiters tend to present ambiguous, vague, and overly
generalized job roles, duties, and requirements, making it possible for
almost anyone to qualify.
9. Requests for payment of placement or work equipment
Be wary if someone is asking for money right out the gate. Ethical employers
will never request an upfront fee for job placement, work equipment, or
training. Moreover, reputable recruiters, headhunters, and recruitment
agencies generally do not impose charges on potential job seekers.
10. Accepting work abroad without an employment visa
If you are considering a job abroad and the employer insists on you entering
the country on a visitor visa instead of a valid employment visa consider it
a big warning sign. It is not advisable to proceed with the trip under these
circumstances, even if the employer promises to cover your flight expenses.
Do not get on that flight!
To address the increase and sophistication of
job scams, employment marketplaces need to tap into technology to combat them,
including expanding the use of AI and machine learning to enhance fraud
detection and prevention capabilities.
JobStreet has
put in place robust systems and processes to verify the legitimacy of job
ads on its platforms. Between July 2022 and June 2023, JobStreet’s parent
company, SEEK, automatically scanned 7.8 million direct job ads on all its
platforms across Asia Pacific (APAC). Approximately 10% of job ads were
escalated for manual review (780,000 job ads), more than 1,900 hirers were
excluded during onboarding, 350 hirer accounts were closed due to
fraud/scam, and more than 2,800 job ads were removed.
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