Have you ever received a small flyer with information about a job opportunity that looks so attractive because it is open to everyone? A job advertisement that welcomes students, undergraduates, housewives, ex-OFWs, etc.

They are inviting even those without work experience and it comes with the promise that one can earn a high salary the easy way. You will also see posters of advertisements like this everywhere- in street walls, buses, etc. They may also be present in classified ads section of newspapers and even in social networking sites.

The job advertisement usually has a phone number that one can contact for more details about the offer. Or an office address where one can visit to submit application. A new technique for this scammer is to attend events where jobseekers gather such as job fairs. They mingle with the crowd and send out flyers in job fairs so attendees get the impression that they are an official participant in the event.

How Do This Scam Works?

The scam starts once a jobseeker decides to contact them or go to the office address provided in the ad or flyer. When the applicant arrives at the supposed office, he or she would usually be asked to fill up an application form. Strangely enough, the applicant will be asked to pay for the form. Then their would be some sort of orientation or interview wherein all applicants will be asked to pay a fee ranging from Php300 to Php500. Applicants get nothing in return but false hope because after paying for the said amount, they will never hear from the company again.

How To Avoid A Job Offer Scam

Be wary of anything that is too good to be true. Nothing in this world is so easy so always be suspicious of anything that promises too much with a little effort from you.

Take note of the job description. A genuine company with a job offer wants to hire the perfect applicant for the job. So a job advertisement should be complete with detailed list of requirements and job description. If the job offer is unclear because it doesn’t tell anything about the scope and purpose of job, it is likely a scam.

Check the background of the company. If it is legitimate, there should be many ways for you to get information about the company before going to its office. You can call the company to inquire or use the net to research. If you can’t find any clear information about them, it is most likely a scam.

You don’t have to pay for anything. Always question the reason behind any fees that a company will charge. A legitimate company would not let you pay for anything. Most of the time, the moment someone ask you to pay for anything, it is a sign that it is an illegal activity.

If you or someone you know had been victimized by this type of scam, you can help put a stop to it by reporting it to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). You can view the contact details of DOLE at http://www.dole.gov.ph