In the past few years, Asia has witnessed a significant rise in internet fraud, and Malaysia is no stranger to this trend, particularly in the realm of job scams. Regrettably, individuals seeking employment are often perceived as susceptible targets by scammers, exploiting the challenges many face in securing a stable income.

Online Job Scams

Image via Flex Jobs

As job scams evolve into more advanced forms, Malaysians have the opportunity to collaborate in assisting others in recognizing warning signs and preventing themselves from falling victim to malicious schemes.

Unlike earlier strategies that relied on instigating fear to prompt impulsive actions, contemporary scammers concentrate on cultivating online trust to lure unsuspecting victims. Certain job scams are intricately designed to replicate genuine hiring processes, skillfully presenting a deceptive facade of a legitimate opportunity.

What Are The Signs?

Image via ICT Catalogue

Here are the 10 signs that a job proposition might be a scam.

1. Repetitive Phone Calls

Malicious individuals often engage in persistent calling, trying to pressure you into accepting their proposal. They commonly claim that a job opportunity might slip away unless you promptly respond or agree to their conditions.

2. Requests For Sensitive Information

Individuals with malicious intent aiming to acquire your information frequently insist on obtaining your personal details immediately. They might request documents such as proof of residence or financial statements, promising instant access to job opportunities. Nevertheless, reputable companies generally refrain from requesting such documentation until the interview or onboarding phase.

3. Sketchy Software Or Fake Websites

A trustworthy employer will employ widely recognized software for online interviews. If they request the installation of unfamiliar software, it could indicate a potential issue. Since virtually anyone can create and manage a website, scammers often create online platforms pretending to be fictitious employers or fabricate channels for legitimate companies. A distinct warning sign with these accounts is the absence of substantial information or if the company is untraceable and lacks an online presence.

4. Unrealistic Promises Or Job Offers

If a job advertisement pledges extravagant salaries or benefits that seem excessively favorable, it likely isn’t genuine. This is the most prominent signs of a job scam. Fraudsters frequently employ such alluring offers to attract unsuspecting victims, particularly those facing financial difficulties.

5. Unprofessional Communication

Observe the language, grammar, and overall tone of the communication. Genuine employers usually uphold professional and refined communication standards. Therefore, if you detect numerous spelling errors, sloppy language, or inconsistent communication, it could signal a potential issue.

6. No Interview Is Required

Have you ever secured a job without undergoing at least one job interview? If the hiring procedure omits a job interview and the employer shows minimal interest in you, this might indicate a focus on financial motives and potential scamming. In the best-case scenario, it could be an employer who doesn’t prioritize your personality or alignment with their company culture. In such a case, one might question whether it’s an ideal workplace to consider.

7. Provides Malicious Links

Exercise caution when clicking on links throughout the job application procedure, as they could direct you to deceptive applications created with the sole purpose of extracting your bank account or credit card details. Malicious entities can invest significant effort in tricking their targets and crafting websites and mobile apps that present a professional and authentic façade. If you’re encouraged to register as an applicant exclusively through an unfamiliar link, consider it a potential warning sign.

8. Vague Or Incomplete Job Requirements & Descriptions

Authentic job offers offer explicit and comprehensive job responsibilities and requirements that closely align with the described position. In contrast, counterfeit job offers and questionable recruiters often present unclear, vague, and excessively generalized job roles, duties, and requirements, enabling almost anyone to meet the qualifications.

9. Requests For Payment Of Placement Or Work Equipment

Exercise caution if someone demands money right from the start. This is another signs of job scam. Ethical employers will never require an upfront fee for job placement, work equipment, or training. Additionally, respected recruiters, headhunters, and recruitment agencies typically do not levy charges on prospective job seekers.

10. Accepting Work Abroad Without An Employment Visa

If you’re contemplating a job opportunity abroad and the employer insists on your entry using a visitor visa rather than a legitimate employment visa, view it as a significant red flag. It is not recommended to proceed with the journey under such conditions, even if the employer pledges to cover your flight expenses. Refrain from boarding that flight!

Leveraging Technology Against Job Scams In Employment Markets With JobStreet

Image via Malaysiakini

To counter the rising and sophisticated prevalence of job scams, employment marketplaces must leverage technology, including the expanded integration of AI and machine learning to fortify fraud detection and prevention capabilities.

JobStreet has implemented robust systems and procedures to authenticate the legitimacy of job advertisements on its platforms. In the period from July 2022 to June 2023, SEEK, the parent company of JobStreet, automatically scrutinized 7.8 million direct job advertisements across all its platforms in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

Around 10% of these job ads underwent manual review (amounting to 780,000 job ads). Additionally, more than 1,900 hirers were excluded during onboarding, 350 hirer accounts were closed due to fraud or scam-related activities, and over 2,800 job ads were removed.

So, the next time you want to go for job hunting, go for JobStreet!