25 Signs that a job is a Pyramid Scheme/Scam
Fraudsters have become more creative in their bid to get away with other people’s money. One of the most common ways they use these days is the scam jobs. They capitalize on the desperation people have to find a job. Luckily, there is a way you can easily tell that a job is a scam and avoid it. Here are some 25 signs to look out for.
1. Lucrative pay for menial work
When the job promises lucrative pay for menial jobs that require no skills or experience to do, avoid it. No one ever pays for services not received, and if they do, there definitely has to be some reasonable value for money.
2. Unprofessionally written emails and adverts
If the job’s advertisement or email is written in an unprofessional manner, then that should be a warning sign to you. Companies with legitimate businesses write advertisements and emails in a professional manner and even edit them. If the advert is unprofessionally written, then that might be a scam.
3. Promises to work from home
While some jobs allow you to work from home, the chances that the “work from home” job you get is a scam are very high. Telecommuter and freelance jobs are the best “work from home” jobs.
4. Pay first
If you are required to pay some amount before getting the job, you are looking at a scam. This, also, extends to requests of buying or selling products. You just may never get back that money at all.
5. Large Scale Interviews
Pyramid schemes and scams love to recruit drove victims. If you find the interview to be too easy and taking on the interview with other people, then that is the time to rethink. A legit business will always conduct individual interviews.
6. Online interviews
If the interview is being conducted via emails or Instant messenger in Yahoo, be cautious since these are popular with scammers.
7. If the job is always out seeking to recruit new workers, then that might just be a scam. This means that they have a high turnover which is a warning signal.
8. Big promises
In a bid to capitalize on the desperation one might have, the companies always give big promises or huge earnings with lucrative pays. That is not always the case.
9. Vague responsibilities
Most of the scammers do not include the important and specific details like what one will actually be doing every day.
10. Non-verifiable contact information
If the company’s contact information and address are not legit, that is a job to avoid. Always call to verify and know the person who contacted you as they might be scammers.
11. Request for confidential information
If information such as your social security number, date of birth and the like are required from you by the employer, be wary.
12. Most of the communication is via phone or email
If the employers are not showing interest in meeting you for interviews and other communications, then that may be a scam. People are more vulnerable online.
13. Getting too personal
All matters job should be strictly professional all through. If an employer starts getting casual and personal, avoid that job.
14. No interviews
A legitimate manager will only hire you after meeting you. If the employer does not interview you first, then that is a scam.
15. Receiving applications you did not apply for.
If you receive an application for a job that you haven’t applied for and seems too good to be true, that’s probably a scam.
16. Fake URLs
Scammers use fake URLs to hide as large corporates. Always double check the URL.
17. Scam list
Check the scam list to see of the said organization is a fraud or legit. If it has been reported as a scammer, you can avoid the trap soonest.
18. Google Search
Do a google search and check the company’s online profile. If the profiles and the information do not match, that is reason enough to avoid them.
19. Free email account
A company or recruiter with a free email accounts like Gmail or Yahoo is most likely to be scammers. Legit emails are from corporate email accounts.
20. Do research
Check out their website and portfolio. If things look shady and the information is unclear, then you need to be cautious with them as they might be a scam.
21. No references
Always ask for a list of other employees and contractors you can contact. If they are reluctant to provide the same, they are probably fraudsters.
22. You get the job right away
Most jobs take a couple of days or even weeks before finishing the process of employing someone. But, if it happens that after a quick process in a matter of hours or days you have the job, it’s probably a scam.
23. No refund policy
These companies always look to retain money you have paid to them for their “products.” When you see this policy, walk away.
24. Unclear business model
If the company does not show how exactly they make money, then that is a warning sign.
25. Follow your gut
If you feel like something is wrong, don’t ignore that feeling. Only work with a company you are confident about.