September 3, 2024

How to Identify Job Scams

Drake Marketing

In today's evolving job market, technology offers more opportunities than ever to find the right roles. However, with advancement comes new challenges. According to CNBC, job scams surged 118% in 2023. Scammers now even go as far as to pose as recruiters and stage interviews with “candidates.” However, when navigating the job market in Canada, certain signs will help determine if the job you are dealing with is legitimate. 

 

Common Scams 

Before identifying warning signs, understanding common job search scams is crucial to protecting yourself. Below are some types you may come across during your job search.  

 

Fake Postings 

You will likely stumble upon fake job postings in various forms as you carry out your search. Scammers may pose as legitimate brands or even create realistic companies to deceive you into applying. You may notice that these postings have descriptions lacking detail, although, with AI, scams have become increasingly realistic. Recently, there has been an increase in these scams targeted towards temporary foreign workers, and while platforms have safeguards to prevent these listings, they are not always successful. 

 

Equipment Scams 

This type of scam targets those seeking work-from-home jobs. After accepting an offer, you will receive an email with a cheque and instructions to deposit it into your bank account. You'll then be asked to transfer money to a supplier for equipment. Unfortunately, after a few days, the cheque will bounce, and your personal funds will have been withdrawn instead. In some cases, scammers may even ask you to send money directly to them with promises of reimbursement.   

 

Unsolicited Offers 

If you did not apply for a role and receive an offer via email or social media, there is a chance that it is a scam. While this is not always the case, it is important to err on the side of caution. Scammers may pose as individuals from reputable companies and encourage you to provide detailed personal and financial information that can be used for identity theft. For example, there have been instances of scammers posing as Drake recruiters and offering jobs via WhatsApp or text. Please note that we will never extend an offer using these methods. 

 

Red Flags to Look Out For 

 

Tons of Grammatical Errors 

Companies work hard to maintain a professional appearance throughout the recruitment process. Part of this involves carefully reviewing messages and job postings to ensure they are free of grammatical errors. As a result, if you notice spelling errors, lack of punctuation, or any other mistakes, be sure to keep your guard up.  

 

Messages that Lack Branding  

Another thing you may notice is that communication appears generic and lacks the branding you would typically expect. For example, in a fraudulent email, you may see a contact name ending in Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, etc. Note that recruiters will never message you from one of these addresses and will always use a company domain. Additionally, scammers may not have branded email signatures, a link to the company website, or a LinkedIn page.   

 

They are Unable to Answer Questions 

In some instances, scammers may ask you to complete an interview over the phone to maintain the appearance of a typical recruiting process. In most cases, you will have prepared a list of questions to get a better understanding of the company. However, as you conclude the interview, you may notice that they do not provide an opportunity to ask questions, and if they do, they are not able to give detailed answers.   

 

The Offer is Too Good to be True 

If an offer seems too good to be true, it is a good idea to be cautious. For example, if you are offered a high-paying job that does not match your qualifications. Additionally, if the interview process was too easy, or did not happen at all, it could be a red flag. While there are exceptions, scammers understand the vulnerability of job seekers and take advantage of it.  

 

Tips from Recruiters – How to Avoid Scams 

At Drake International, our team of experienced recruiters is committed to keeping you safe from the dangers of job scams. To help guide your search, we’ve gathered a list of tips from Ana Batista, Recruitment Team Lead; Wagisha Singh, Recruitment Consultant; and Hema Scorca, Practice Lead, Accounting & Finance.   

 

Research the Company 

Always verify the legitimacy of the company. Google the organization and look for an official website, check their LinkedIn profile, and read reviews on Glassdoor or similar platforms. If the company has little to no online presence, it's best to be cautious. It’s also a good idea to check if the job you came across is listed on the company’s official website.  

 

Avoid Sharing Personal Information  

Never share sensitive personal information, such as your Social Insurance Number, bank details, or credit card information, early in the application process. Legitimate employers will only ask for this information after hiring you and through secure channels.  

 

Beware of Payment Requirements 

Never give a company money for a job! Employers will not ask you to pay for training, equipment, or background checks. If a job requires you to pay upfront, it is a red flag. With over 30 years of experience, Ana backs this up, saying: "If you are offered a job and they ask you to upfront the cost of computers and equipment - that is 100% a fraud,"  

 

Be Mindful of Interview Platforms 

Most organizations conduct interviews via platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Google Meet. Be cautious of potential employers that ask to conduct interviews over WhatsApp or other informal methods. 

 

Consult with a Recruiter  

Our team understands your concerns. As Wagisha explains: 

"I have heard many stories from job seekers who have fallen victim to scams, and having been a job seeker myself, I understand how challenging it can be."  

Partnering with a reputable recruiter offers an extra layer of security and peace of mind. They connect you with opportunities and help verify job listings and company legitimacy. Plus, they can also help improve your resume, market you to employers, and offer many other helpful services! 

 

Finding your way through the Canadian job market can be challenging with the rise of scams. Follow your instincts and use the information above to stay safe and avoid falling for them. To be connected to trusted opportunities, check out our job board or join the Drake Talent Network. Stay vigilant, and don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance. Our dedicated team of recruiters is here to help you every step of the way.