by Chris Durst Feb. 14, 2024
In today’s digital age, the Internet it the go-to spot for most jobseekers. However, with convenience comes a new challenge: deceptive job ads — especially when looking for remote work. These ads, designed to lure in unsuspecting job seekers, can lead to frustration, wasted time, and even financial loss. Let’s delve into this alarming trend and learn how to protect ourselves in the online job market.
The Deception:
Many job seekers have encountered ads seemingly offering positions with well-known companies like Disney, Hershey’s, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Amazon, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. These ads use the reputable names of established companies to grab attention and appear legitimate. However, when clicked, these ads redirect users to unrelated job postings or sketchy websites.
The Motive:
Behind these deceptive ads are often affiliate marketers looking to earn commissions by redirecting traffic to other sites. They capitalize on the trust associated with renowned company names to attract job seekers and drive traffic to their affiliate links. While some may innocently stumble upon these ads, others fall victim to their schemes, hoping for legitimate job opportunities.
This video explains who these deceptive ads work – click here or on the video below to watch:
If you have questions or comments on this topic, drop them into the comments section below this video on YouTube.
The Consequences:
Clicking on deceptive job ads not only wastes precious time but, depending on where they lead, it can also pose risks to personal information and financial security. Job seekers may inadvertently provide sensitive data to fraudulent sites or fall victim to scams promising nonexistent job opportunities. Moreover, the frustration and disappointment of being misled can take a toll on one’s confidence and morale in the job search process.
Protecting Yourself: To safeguard against deceptive job ads, here are some proactive steps you can take:
Verify the Source:
Before applying for a job from an unknown source, visit the company’s official website or reputable job boards to confirm the job listing. If it doesn’t show up on the company’s careers page, it’s unlikely to be legitimate.
Check the URL:
Pay attention to the URL of the job posting. If it looks suspicious or doesn’t match the company’s official website, proceed with caution.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Many scammers are now sending emails consisting of the real company name followed by “careers.com” or “career.com” — for example [email protected] is not actually is a fake email address. Watch our video explaining and exposing this type of scam.
Trust Your Instincts:
If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts and proceed with caution. Don’t hesitate to report suspicious ads to the platform hosting the job listing. We’re also happy to take a look if you’re just not sure — email the details to [email protected].
While the internet offers vast opportunities for job seekers, it’s essential to remain careful when navigating the online job market. By staying informed, exercising caution, and reporting deceptive practices, we can collectively combat deceptive job ads and create a safer environment for job seekers worldwide. Remember, diligence is key in the quest for genuine and rewarding employment opportunities.
Our YouTube channel has a playlist of work from home scam videos that may help you to identify scams — be sure to subscribe to our channel for the most current information.
For real remote jobs, check our Newest Jobs & Gigs page. To be the first to hear about jobs like these, join our free Telegram channel. Good luck as you make your work from home plans a reality!
