That online job could be a scam: How to spot fake job listings

You’ve spent weeks polishing your resume and practising possible interview questions in the mirror. You’ve probably also subscribed to a mix of online platforms to increase your chances of finding job listings that match what you are looking for. But before you start responding to recruiters or online offers, familiarise yourself with common online job scams.

Job scams are becoming increasingly common in the digital age. A job scam is a misleading or false job offer meant to trick job seekers into giving money, sensitive data, or personal information. Cybercriminals are getting smarter, and fake job offers are one way they target young people looking for employment or a quick way to make money.

Here’s how it usually works.

You receive a job offer, sometimes from what looks like a legitimate company. They promise good money, flexible hours and an easy application process.

But there’s a catch.

They might ask you to pay a registration, training, or application fee before you can get the job. Others may ask for your ID details, passwords or banking information.

So, how do you protect yourself?

Research

Do thorough due diligence. Check whether the company actually exists and whether the job is advertised on its official website or verified pages.

Do not pay

Never pay to secure a job. Be suspicious of recruiters who demand money before employment. A legitimate employer will not charge you for your skills or experience; they will invest in them. If a job requires you to pay for things like a food handler’s certificate, you can research and verify the average cost yourself.

Protect your personal information

Never share your passwords, PINs or one-time passwords with anyone claiming to be a recruiter. A genuine employer will only ask you for personal information such as your banking details, KRA PIN, SHA, NSSF, phone number, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and your address during the onboarding process.

Emails from unofficial domains

One of the quickest ways to spot a scammer is to look for emails that do not match the company’s official website.

Random job offers without interviews

Receiving a job offer without applying for it or interviewing for it should be a cause for alarm. Standard hiring practices require at least one interview, so skipping it should be a red flag.

If it’s too good to be true

It probably is. Take extra caution. Scammers often entice you with additional perks like a fully remote position or a salary that is out of line with your experience.

No online presence

An authentic company should provide the information you need, for example, on its website, such as what the company is about, the products or services it offers, its location, contact details, etc. Nowadays, most companies put effort into establishing their digital presence. A lack of a digital presence or verifiable contact details where they can be reached may indicate it’s a scam.

Remember, not every opportunity that lands in your inbox is an opportunity worth taking. Stay alert, stay informed and don’t let the promise of quick money cost you your hard-earned cash.