9 Ways to identify a job scam
Don't fall victim to a job scam. Here is how you can verify if a company is legit before going to the job interview or even accepting the offer.
The unemployment rate in South Africa is high. According to StatsSA, the official unemployment rate was at 32,6% in the first quarter of 2021.
If you are one of those seeking employment, it is important to do a background check on any company that you are interested in.
This will save you heartache, time, money, and sometimes even your life.
Many scammers have robbed people of their hard-earned money, while some people have even fallen victim to human trafficking.
Let’s look at tips on how to verify if a job listing is legit or a scam:
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Company not registered
Before applying to any company, check if it is registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPRO).
CIPRO has a list of all the registered businesses in South Africa. Citizens can search for registered companies on the website by providing the registration number. Upon entering the registration number, you will get the registered name of the firm, details of the directors and auditors.
It sounds too good to be true
Trust your gut. If a job offer seems too good to be true, it most probably is not legit.
There is no interview
Be careful of any company that sends you an email saying it found your CV on the internet and thinks you are the perfect candidate for the position and then offering you the job immediately.
No employment contract
Any legit job will offer you a contract because this is a legally binding document. Don’t just take their word for it.
Asking for payment from you
This is a big red flag. No one seeking employment should ever have to pay for a job or interview or any service.
No online presence
Does the company not pop up online when you search for it? That might be a sign that it does not exist.
No clear job description
Any job listing that does not clearly detail your job description and the requirements are vague might be a scam.
Unprofessionalism
Be careful of any company that only communicates using social platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp or only does phone calls.
Also be careful of companies that have no email addresses, or the address seems dodge.
No clear business location
Have you been called for a job interview and told to meet one of the company's "employees" in a dodgy place and told they will take you to the work offices? That is a red flag! A legit business should have a place of operation that you can locate.
READ: Job interview: do's and dont's
Image courtesy of iStock/ @ natasaadzic