Jobseekers, Beware of Cyberfraud in Recruitment Scams

Job hunting can be an exhausting and frustrating process, but it's crucial to remain vigilant. Sadly, many job seekers fall victim to cyberfraud during their job search, often with dire consequences. This article serves as a warning, detailing a common scam tactic and offering valuable advice on how to protect yourself.

The False Offer of a Dream Job

Shubham's Experience

Shubham, an aspiring construction worker, was recently offered a short-term job operating a loader on a civil construction site. The hourly rate was exceptionally high, causing Shubham to pause and question its authenticity. However, he continued, only to find himself in a financial trap.

The company was late by two weeks in paying Shubham for his first week of work, and they never paid for his last week and two days. Upon visiting the city office, Shubham discovered that the company was a fraud. This experience serves as a stark reminder: if something seems too good to be true, it often is.

The Rise of Cyberfraud in the Job Market

Jobseekers can also face more sophisticated scams, including cyberfraud. The headline You may get a call from a job portal but you may get duped in the name of recruitment highlights this growing danger. Scammers will often pose as reputable recruiting agencies and trick candidates into furnishing personal information or making payments. This article will walk you through a typical recruitment fraud and provide practical tips for spotting and avoiding such scams.

A Recent Case of Recruitment Fraud

Shubham received a call from someone claiming to be an employee of NaukriKing, a so-called job portal. The caller claimed that Shubham's CV had been shortlisted for three major multinational corporations (MNCs).

The Conversation with the Fraudster

Fraudster: Hey Shubham, your attractive CV has been shortlisted for 3 big MNCs.

Shubham: Ok

Fraudster: Let me schedule your interview with them, but first you have to fill up your details on our portal NaukriKing.

Shubham: I've never scheduled someone's interview on such a personal level. I've never heard of NaukriKing either.

Fraudster: Sir, we do arrange interviews personally. It's just that not many professionals know about it.

Shubham: Ok, I'm in a dilemma.

Fraudster: I have sent you a link named ApplyNow to your registered phone number. Click on it, fill your details, pay Rs 10 via card details, and inform me asap.

Shubham: What!! Earlier you told me that you wouldn't have to pay a single penny, and now you're saying this.

Fraudster: Sir, it's just Rs.10. That's it. I already told you. You may not have heard.

Shubham: Ok, let me check. Unwittingly, I followed the whole process.

Shubham clicked on the link from an SMS.

He filled his information on a fake NaukriKing landing page. The page cleverly copied the original Naukri logo.

He chose the standard Rs 10 plan, which seemed cheap enough to be duped.

He filled in his debit card details.

Finally, an OTP (One-Time Password) popped up, which was sent to Shubham's HDFC bank account.

Shubham was just about to be duped but managed to stop himself. He called the fraudster and told them of his suspicions. The fraudster, ignoring his warning, hung up the call. Shubham was lucky enough to save himself from a significant financial loss and to capture evidence of the scam.

Shubham's appendix includes screenshots of the entire process, detailing how the fraudster fraudulently copied the Naukri logo and created a payment gateway designed to dupe jobseekers.

Shubham shared his experience on Quora to warn other job seekers and to spread awareness about this growing menace. His plea is to share this information as widely as possible.

Tips for Avoiding Recruitment Fraud

Here are some practical tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of recruitment fraud:

Verify the Employer: Always research the company thoroughly. Check their website, social media presence, and reviews online. If something seems off, proceed with caution. Avoid Unsolicited Calls or Emails: Legitimate job recruiters usually contact you through official channels. Be wary of unsolicited calls or emails asking for personal information or payment. Do Not Pay for Jobs: Never pay for a job or any service related to the job application process. Reputable companies will never ask you to pay upfront. Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers: If a job offer seems too good to be true, it likely is. Take the time to verify the company and the offer before proceeding. Check for Red Flags: Common red flags include requests for personal or financial information, promises of a high-paying job with little experience, and requests for immediate payment.

Conclusion

With the growing prevalence of cyberfraud in the job market, it's essential for job seekers to be vigilant. By following the tips outlined in this article and remaining alert, you can protect yourself from falling victim to recruitment scams. Share this information widely to help other job seekers stay safe.

Remember: always stay informed, and never rush into anything questionable.