How would you identify an internet scam during job search?

Sometimes, the wisest can fall prey to the most dubious conmen when it comes to earning a few extra bucks. In today's time, the veil of the virtual world covers several hidden agendas. Not only does one need to be careful when sharing personal information online, one needs to stay alert when pursuing other objectives like job hunting too. As they say, "precaution is better than cure." 

Here are four clues that can help identify an underlying internet scam during an online job search.

Too much for too little

If you could earn a lot of money just by clicking advertisements or sending bulk e-mails, then why on earth would anybody work? There are often billboards and online spam ads offering very high salaries for tasks as simple as typing. Be alert when looking at salary details and job descriptions online. If the pay seems too good to be true for a particular job, maybe you should wonder why!

Pay up first

A website asking for a registration fee that would ensure a continuous work flow is porbably  an out and out scam. Some dupe innocent job seekers by charging a fee for software installation. So why would an employer sell a job or a working tool to an employee when it is her obligation to provide the requisite hardware, software and the favourable ambience? 

Website pop-ups

Some company websites have pop-up advertisements. Why would a company have somebody else’s flyers on its website is what you should ask yourself if you come across one though! Avoid applying for jobs at a place like this. 

E-mail address

If you receive an e-mail from a perspective employer through a free domain like Yahoo or Gmail, your alarm bells should start ringing! A business invests enough on its fixed and liquid assets to have it's own company-custom email id.

Hard work and educational qualifications are irreplaceable in the job market. Be alert and exercise caution when going through opportunities online. 

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