Recently been offered a job that sounds “too good to be true”? It is likely what we fear most – a shady job scam, and you should stay away as far as you can to avoid falling to prey. If you also happen to be currently unemployed, a traveler on a working vacation or a fresh graduate just entering into the workforce- you are now one of their biggest targets.

Do not be fooled by their convincing appearance, for they have perfected their deception as a potential employer to trick gullible victims into such scams, or worst – experiencing monetary loss. According to Flexjobs, there are over 60-70 job scams posted for every legitimate job postings online.

Worried that you’ll be part of the horror stories? Protect yourself before you become part of their statistics. While it can be tough at times to tell the real jobs apart from the fake ones, these are signs of a job scam to look out for:

1. You Got The Offer Without Applying For It

Already scratching your head, thinking -“When have I applied for this”? These scams will find multiple ways to lure you into accepting these lucrative, “dream” roles, including email inquiries and those from social media, claiming that your qualities fit perfectly for the job.

2. You Can Make “Quick And Easy Money”

When someone highlighted this as their selling point, take a step back and dwell a little on this. Do you truly think the handsome, irresistible salary is possible in exchange for minimal to no amount of effort? Nope, don’t think so!

3. “No Experience is Required”

Really- no particular skills, experience or education qualification needed at all? And you need to start as soon as possible, even today? Hmm. Doesn’t it look and sound a little too fishy for you? For such a requirement, these dishonest employers only have one aim in mind; to cheat your time and money.

4. The Job Description is Not Clear

The job scopes displayed doesn’t make any sense to you. Or worst, you’ve probably tried searching up the company on Google to find out more, which might not even have a legitimate website. If you had tried asking the employer, they’ll shrug you off and say that they’ll ‘train you’.

5. The Employer Requested For Your Personal and Confidential Information

Before any interview sessions are even scheduled, they nonchalantly request for your bank account number, or credit card details in advance, indicating they need these details “to pay you”.

6. You Need To Transfer Money or Receive The Goods First

An ultimate red flag sign that should be alarming enough – no legitimate employer will ask you to fork out the money for their supplies, services or training in advance. Beware if they do – you might be paying for something else!

7. The Employer or Recruiters’ Identity is Vague or Misleading

No contact information displayed? No clear mission, goals or even company’s description found? Don’t be surprised if these sites may contain multiple typos, incomplete sentences grammar mistakes everywhere-yikes!

Here are some examples of the most common job-related scams:

– Data Entry Scams

– Pyramid Marketing

– Money Laundering

– Direct Deposit Scams

– Online Reshipping

– Personal Loan Signups Scams

– Work from Home Scams

– Credit Card/ Debit Card Signups Scams

– Personal Assistant Scams

and many more.

Whenever you have encountered any of these signs above while searching for a job, be sure to carry out the following steps:

1. Do as many research as you can – look upon a list of job scammers and see if they are in it

2. Use job portals or recruitment sites that have privacy policies and only allow verified employers to view the listings

3. Be calm and collective – do not give in to pressure to make any commitments or give out information beforehand

4. Politely decline the offer

Most importantly, stay vigilant at all times and trust your instincts when it tells you something is not right. It is probably for the best. And if you are currently looking for a truly legitimate and fulfilling career breakthrough, why not start here.