On 28 April 2024, New Straits Time (NST) reported that a man lost RM13,460 in an online job scam.
Picture this: you receive a WhatsApp message from an unknown number offering job opportunities, such as liking and subscribing to YouTube videos.
The offer is enticing: high pay, flexible hours, and the promise of easy work from the comfort of your home.
What happens?
To gain trust, the victim was assigned the first three tasks and received the promised payment of RM15 for each one.
As the victim completed more tasks, the return was higher. However, the victim was required to deposit his own money.
Excited, the victim eagerly wants to earn more, only to be unwittingly drawn into the intricate web of an online job scam.
Welcome to the shadowy world where promises are empty, trust is betrayed, and unsuspecting job seekers fall victim to the deceptive schemes of opportunistic fraudsters.
Our Advice
Avoiding online job scams requires vigilance and a healthy dose of scepticism. Here are some essential tips to help you steer clear of fraudulent schemes:
1) Research the company.
Before applying for any online job, research the company thoroughly. Look for reviews, check their website for legitimacy, and verify their contact information.
2) Be wary of unsolicited offers.
If you receive an unsolicited job offer via email or social media, proceed with caution. Legitimate companies typically don’t recruit in this manner.
3) Verify job details.
Scrutinize the job description for any inconsistencies or vague information. Legitimate job postings usually include clear job responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation details.
4) Avoid upfront payments.
Be wary of any job that requires you to pay money upfront for training, materials, or equipment. Legitimate employers typically cover these expenses.
Also, be careful of jobs that require you to pay an upfront deposit before you can earn more. To gain victim trust, the first few jobs you do will be paid lucratively.
5) Watch for red flags.
Beware of job postings with grammatical errors, unrealistic salary offers, or requests for personal information such as your Identity Card (IC) number or bank account details.
6) Use trusted job search platforms.
Stick to reputable job search websites and platforms with verified listings. Be cautious of job postings on less-known or unverified platforms.
7) Trust your instincts.
If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to walk away from any opportunity that raises doubts.
8) Ask questions.
If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a job offer, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Legitimate employers will be transparent and willing to provide additional information.
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Source:
Man loses RM13,460 in scam involving ‘liking’ YouTube videos
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