Avoid Job Scams
Red flags to watch out for when applying for jobs online.
Warning: Job scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Always verify job offers before providing personal information or making any payments.
1. Too-good-to-be-true offers
Be wary of job postings offering unusually high salaries for minimal work or qualifications. Scammers often promise high earnings for easy work to lure victims. Research typical salaries for the position in your area to spot unrealistic offers.
2. Requests for upfront payments
Legitimate employers will never ask you to pay for training, background checks, or "starter kits" as a condition of employment. Any request for payment is a major red flag. Common scams include asking for money for "work visas" or "administrative fees."
3. Poorly written job postings
Many scams originate from overseas and contain grammatical errors, odd phrasing, or inconsistent information. Look for professional, well-written postings with clear job descriptions, requirements, and company information.
4. Vague company information
If the company has no website, physical address, or verifiable online presence, be cautious. Research the company name plus "scam" to see if others have reported problems. Check if they have a legitimate LinkedIn presence with multiple employees.
5. Immediate job offers without interview
Be suspicious if you're offered a job immediately after applying, especially if you haven't had a proper interview (phone, video, or in-person). Legitimate employers typically have multiple interview stages to evaluate candidates.
6. Requests for personal financial information
Never provide bank account details, credit card information, or copies of your ID early in the hiring process. Scammers may claim they need this to "set up direct deposit" or "verify your identity" when they're actually planning identity theft.
7. Communication through personal email or messaging apps
Professional companies typically use company email domains (@companyname.com) for recruitment. Be cautious if the recruiter only communicates through Gmail, Yahoo, WhatsApp, or Telegram accounts rather than official channels.
8. Pressure to act quickly
Scammers often create false urgency ("This offer expires today!") to prevent you from researching or thinking critically. Legitimate hiring processes take time and allow for consideration. Pressure tactics are a common scam technique.
9. Money transfer or "reshipping" job offers
Any job that involves receiving and forwarding money or packages is likely a money laundering or fraud scheme. These often appear as "payment processing" or "logistics coordinator" positions but are actually criminal operations.
10. Unprofessional interview processes
Be cautious of interviews conducted only via text/chat, video calls with no camera, or very brief calls. Also watch for interviewers who can't answer basic questions about the company or position, or who seem unfamiliar with your application.
Protect Yourself: If you suspect a job offer might be a scam, stop all communication immediately. Report suspicious postings to the job platform and consider reporting to the South African Police Service (SAPS) if you've shared sensitive information or lost money.