Before you go ahead with that “once-in-a-lifetime” job application, take a look at the list of job scams that have caught many people off-guard.

1. The false job application scam

This email is sent, asking you to complete an online form. The website link then redirects you to a page that requires all your personal information. There will also be text saying something like: If you do not submit your details we cannot consider you for the job.

2. You have to pay for items scam
After going to what seems like a valid interview, the company says it will set you up with software to allow you to work from home. The employer will then send you a cashier’s check and ask that you deposit the check into your bank account and withdraw funds. You’re then asked to send those funds to Western Union for materials that you’ll need in order to perform your job properly.

3. Pay before an interview scam
You’re offered a job via email and you get told that employees’ salaries are paid via Direct Deposit with the organisation’s bank. After registering your Direct Deposit confirmation, you’re then told to choose a date and time for your interview and reminded that without your Direct Deposit account details, your salary won’t be paid on time.

4. You sign up for a trial period job scam
You’re told that you are one of two or three candidates who will go through a trial period that consists of two or three weeks. This scam can be quite deceiving as the company’s details and information all seem fine. The only thing that should set off warning bells is the form that you have to complete – your ID number, personal details and bank account information is required.

Watch: How to identify job scams

5. The fax job scam
This is one of the most popular scams in South Africa. With this job scam a fake recruiter will advertise a fake job. You’re asked to fax your CV to a fax number that’s strategically set up to charge higher than standard rates. After you send your CV the charges will be sent to your phone bill at ridiculously high rates.

Things to watch out for for fax scams:

• The fax number will start with 086.
  
• There won’t be any other contact details other than a fax number on the job ad.
  
• You’ll be asked to send a lot of documents that are either unrelated or completely unnecessary.
  
• The email address that the fake recruiter has used will usually start with include “noreply” before the “@”.

According to The Job Network here are a few tips on how to spot a fake job posting in 2019

• No online presence: While trying to verify the company and the advertised vacancy you notice nothing is showing up in your search. Keep in mind, legit vacancies always have some sort of online presence.
• Recruiter email does not match the company: After you receive an email from a recruiter you are particularly excited especially when they claim to be from a reputable company. However, upon closer inspection you notice the recruiter’s logo on their signature does not match that of said company. Keep an eye out for any personal email addresses from recruiters such as Yahoo or Gmail. Additionally, please don’t attach any personal documentation if requested from these types of email addresses.
• Discovered via a social media post: It may be possible to get a great job through social media, however, be aware of sponsored or advertised job posts which appear to simply show up on your feed. Remember jobs should always come through legitimate channels and are usually thoroughly vetted when they reflect on job boards, which may in the end serve as a safer option.
• An interview is requested via chat or text: Please be aware of first interviews requested via text messaging. Remote interviews are becoming increasingly popular, but these predominantly refer to Skype interviews or phone calls.
• Money is requested: This is almost always a no-go area. If you are requested to pay to any time of admin fee which goes along with your application, you can most certainly consider the vacancy a scam. As a rule, never pay monies to strangers you encounter on the internet.

Careers24 is committed to ensuring that all job ads on our site are for legitimate job opportunities. We have a zero tolerance policy to scam jobs. As part of our policy, Careers24 does not charge candidates for job applications or job offers. It is against South African regulation for recruiters to charge for job offers.

What should you do if you think you've spotted a scam on Careers24?
1. Do NOT respond to the ad
2. Notify us immediately by contacting us at reportads@careers24.com

https://www.thejobnetwork.com/how-you-can-spot-a-fake-job-posting/