Seeking new horizons for the sake of job security has been the trend of job seekers all over the world.
However, over the years, as the job market expanded, it also paved the way for fake recruiters. Many job seekers have complained of being approached by fake recruiters via email and social media websites. Some of the people have been cheated by fraudulent companies, raking their savings after luring them with big plans. Sixty-two percent of professionals in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are looking for a job or plan to look for one this year, according to a survey. In the recent past, both the Gulf countries have taken measures to draw foreign talent. The UAE, home to multinational companies, is among the top destinations for workers as it offers a zero-tax policy while Saudi Arabia under its Vision 2030 has taken steps to welcome skilled persons as part of its decision to diversify its economy.
Consequently, such a trend has led to a competitive job market but has also given space to scammers and fraudsters. According to media reports, they trap skilled workers looking for jobs outside their home country. They have also taken ransom money after taking them hostage.
But some basic steps would help jobseekers to differentiate between fake and original recruiters.
Check email address
If anyone is approached by a company or any firm posts a job, people should check the email address as it does not belong to the original organization. Scammers are reported to have used free email ID domains to approach people. Legal recruiters use their official email addresses with the company’s name and logo.
Send an email to original company
Even if people doubt an email or message, they should directly approach the original company by sending an email to them which they can find in their Contact Us section. It would be better to send screenshots of the email and the sender’s address to the company to have verification.
Be vigilant
For unemployed people, it would be difficult to have a second thought after receiving an invitation for an interview or job offer. But they should always remain vigilant as companies do not approach applicants without receiving any email after posting a job. Moreover, a job offer is issued to applicants after a series of processes that include tests and interviews. Organizations also approach applicants when they have received their reference through someone they know.
Tall claims
There have been instances when fraudulent firms have posted jobs with high salaries, differing from the available market rate. Reports have said that such posts or advertisements are made to entice people to the fake job.
Grammatical mistakes
It is an easy catch for people as scammers often make grammatical and spelling mistakes while posting a job or sending an email. The reason for this is that they are not fluent in English or double-check their posts.
