Online Employment: What precautions should I take to avoid scams?

With the advancement of technology and the growth of searches for job online, there has also been an increase in cases of scams targeting those looking for opportunities in the job market.

These scams range from false job promises to attempts to steal personal data.

Therefore, understanding the necessary precautions is essential to protect yourself and avoid problems.

In this article, you will find practical guidelines to identify and avoid scams when searching job vacancies on websites, apps and other digital platforms.

1. Be wary of promises that are too good to be true

Scammers often target job openings with unrealistic promises, such as extremely high salaries for basic functions or benefits that seem “too good to be true.”

Be wary of ads that include phrases like:

“Earn R$ 10,000 per month without experience.”

“Work from home, with flexible hours and guaranteed earnings.”

“Exclusive opportunity, but with limited spaces, register now!”

These proposals are usually aimed at attracting people desperate for employment.

Do careful research on the company offering the position to verify its legitimacy.

2. Never pay to participate in selection processes

One of the most common practices in job scams is charging fees to “secure” a position or participate in mandatory training.

Legitimate companies never ask for money to evaluate a candidate.

Be wary of situations like:

Request for payment for courses or certificates that would be “essential” for the position.

Charging for psychological tests or interviews.

Requests for “administrative fees” to register your curriculum.

Before making any payment, check directly with the company whether this practice is standard, and be suspicious if there is no clear information.

3. Check the source of the job advertisement

Scams often start with advertisements on unreliable platforms or social media.

To ensure the vacancy is legitimate:

Prefer to look for vacancies on reliable websites and apps, such as LinkedIn, Indeed or InfoJobs.

Make sure the ad mentions details such as the company name, location of the vacancy, and contact information.

Go to the company's official website to check if the vacancy is advertised there too.

4. Protect your personal information

Scammers often use the pretext of “selection processes” to obtain sensitive data, such as CPF, ID number or banking information.

Only share this information when you are absolutely sure of the company's legitimacy.

Some important tips include:

Do not send copies of personal documents unnecessarily.

Avoid providing banking information before you are officially hired.

Be wary of forms that request excessive data, such as full address and number of family members.

5. Research the company

Before applying for a job, research the company to check its reputation.

A few simple steps can help:

Check the company's official website and see if it looks professional and trustworthy.

Look for company reviews on Glassdoor or Reclame Aqui.

Search Google for the company name associated with terms like “scam” or “fraud.”

This step can prevent you from falling for scams from fictitious or malicious companies.

6. Use fraud protection tools

Nowadays, many platforms and applications offer features to avoid scams.

Some suggestions include:

Install antivirus on your cell phone or computer to block malicious links.

Use tools like Google Safe Browsing to check the safety of websites.

Set up alerts in apps job search to receive notifications about vacancies from verified companies.

Also, be wary of messages or emails with suspicious links. Avoid clicking on unknown links and always check if the website address is trustworthy.

7. Pay attention to the recruiter’s initial contact

If the recruiter contacts you by phone, email or WhatsApp, pay attention to the tone of the communication.

Some red flags include:

Grammar and typographical errors in the message.

Excessive rush for you to provide documents or accept the vacancy.

Contacts made outside of business hours without justification.

Serious companies tend to follow a professional approach in all interactions.

8. Keep an eye out for vacancies posted on social media

While social media can be a great way to find jobs, it can also be a breeding ground for scams.

Some tips:

Prioritize official company profiles or pages on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Avoid interacting with ads in unknown Facebook or WhatsApp groups.

Never share personal information in public comments.

Personal Analysis

The job search requires extra attention, especially in the digital environment, where scammers take advantage of candidates' vulnerability.

Following the tips in this article, such as checking the source of vacancies, protecting your information and avoiding payments, will help you navigate this process more safely.

Always prioritize the use of trusted websites and applications and be aware of any suspicious behavior.

Protecting yourself from scams is an essential step in ensuring your job search is productive and hassle-free.

References

1. LinkedIn. Available at: linkedin.com. Accessed on December 16, 2024.
2. Complain Here. Available at: reclameaqui.com.br. Accessed on December 16, 2024.
3. Glassdoor. Available at: glassdoor.com. Accessed on December 16, 2024.