What is Job Scamming?
Job scamming is a type of fraud where perpetrators create fake job advertisements and application processes to obtain your personal information and identity. These fraudulent offers often look like real job postings and are disseminated through digital platforms.
How does job scamming work?
Fraudsters copy or alter the websites of legitimate companies and publish fake job offers. You are then prompted to apply for these positions. Often, a video identification procedure is used to "verify" your identity. In reality, however, the scammers aim to open a bank account with your stolen data, which they can later use for illegal purposes.
What data is interesting to fraudsters?
The perpetrators are particularly interested in sensitive personal information, such as copies of identification documents, addresses, phone numbers, and bank details. With this information, they can create fake accounts or commit other crimes.
How can I recognize a job scamming offer?
Watch for the following signs:
- Check the sender: Research whether the company actually exists and if the job offer is authentic.
- Payment and qualifications: Be cautious of offers that promise unrealistically high salaries without necessary qualifications.
- Requirement for personal data: If you are asked to submit sensitive data like identification documents before signing a contract, be wary.
How can I protect myself from job scamming?
- Carefully check job offers: Thoroughly research the company and the job posting. Ensure that the contact details can be found on the official website of the company.
- Be cautious with video identification procedures: Do not provide any data or open an account unless it is absolutely necessary.
- Report suspicious job offers: Contact the company through official channels to inquire whether the position is actually advertised. You can also report fake offers to us: At the top right of each job posting, there is a menu button with three dots, where you can find the option to report the job offer.
What should I do if I become a victim of job scamming?
- Don't share personal data: Do not provide sensitive information to unknown individuals.
- Decline video identification procedures: If you are asked to participate in a video identification procedure for the application process, decline this.
- Block your account: If you have already opened an account, have it blocked as soon as possible and inform the bank.
- File a police report: If you have provided personal data, report it to the police and notify them of the incident.
What should I do if I receive a suspicious job offer?
- Research the sender of the email or job posting thoroughly.
- Make sure that the sender actually belongs to the company and that the offer is genuine.
- Contact the company through official channels and ask if the position is advertised.
How can I ensure I don't fall into traps when applying for jobs?
- Only provide your personal data after a contract has been signed. Any request for sensitive information before the contract is signed, especially via email or messaging services, is a warning signal. Be particularly cautious with unusual requests, such as opening a bank account for the application process.
Job scamming is a serious threat, particularly affecting those who are job seeking. Stay vigilant, thoroughly check job offers, and refrain from sharing sensitive information with unknown or unverified senders. Protect yourself from fraud and report suspicious offers to us and/or the authorities immediately.