How to recognize a fake job offer?
Have you fallen victim to a fake job offer scam?
Fraudsters are increasingly using online platforms to publish fake job advertisements in order to extort personal data as well as money.
How to distinguish a reliable offer indonesia phone number example from a fake one and protect yourself from danger?
What are fake job offers?
Fake job offers are advertisements that pretend to be real job offers, with the intention of misleading the candidate. Their goal is usually to:
Collecting personal data: Fraudsters obtain sensitive information such as a PESEL number, home address or bank details - but above all, all that is subject to GDPR , to then use it for criminal purposes, e.g. identity theft.
Money Scam: Candidates are asked to pay an advance for training, materials, or other supposed recruitment-related costs. Once the money is received, the scammers disappear without a trace.
Selling personal data: Fake offers are also used to distribute personal data to other companies that need a large database of contacts.
How to recognize a fake job offer?
1. Pay attention to the details of the offer:
Job Title and Job Description: Make sure the job title clearly states the position you are applying for. The job description should be detailed and consistent with your qualifications and experience. Job offers that promise “easy money” for little work should make you nervous.
Salary: Scammers often lure candidates with unrealistically high salaries. Compare the amount offered with the average rates for the position in your area.
Company details: Double check the company name and contact details. Type them into a search engine and read reviews from other employees. Pay attention to the company website – does it look professional and provide accurate information?
Contact Method: Be wary of offers that require contact via private messages or instant messaging. Professional companies usually use official recruitment channels, such as a website or company email address.
2. Be careful when:
The ad seems too good to be true: Remember that scammers play on your emotions and desire to quickly find a good job. Don't be carried away by promises of easy earnings, no requirements and a quick promotion.
The company demands confidential data from you: Never give a potential employer your PESEL number, bank details, or scans of ID documents at the recruitment stage. An honest company will ask for this information only when signing the contract.
You have to pay for “training” or “recruitment fees”: Remember that the employer, not the candidate, bears the costs of recruitment. Don’t pay to participate in the recruitment process – this is another sign that you may be dealing with a scammer.
3. Check the company's reputation
Before you send your CV, take the time to do some research . Check if the company is registered in the National Court Register and if it is not on the warning lists of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection.
4. Stay safe:
Never click on suspicious links or open attachments in emails from unknown senders. They may contain malware that is designed to steal your data.
Use strong passwords for your online accounts and change them regularly.
Do not install software on your device from unverified sources.
Have you fallen victim to a fake job offer scam?
Do not continue contact with the company: Cut off all contact with the alleged employer. Do not respond to messages, do not call, and do not send further documents.
Report Fraud: Report the matter to the appropriate authorities, such as:
Office of Competition and Consumer Protection: https://uokik.gov.pl/jak-zglosic-naruszenie
Cybercrime.gov.pl: https://www.gov.pl/web/cyfristyczny/cyberprzestepczosc
UODO warning portal: https://uodo.gov.pl/pl/492/2278
Change your passwords: If you have provided login information for your online accounts with a scammer, change your passwords immediately.
Secure your computer: Scan your device with an antivirus program and remove any suspicious files or software.
Block your card: If a fraudster has obtained your payment card details, contact your bank and block the card.
Keep evidence: Make copies of emails, messages, announcements, and any other documents that may relate to the fraud.