Caution needed for tough times
I sometimes get emails from job hunters about ads they believe sound fishy. In these challenging economic times I think it is very important that we all be very cautious.
I received two bogus email offers just today delivered right to my inbox.
The first was supposedly from an African bank that does indeed exist. The person – who no doubt does not exist – offered me 35 per cent of $15.2 million left by a “deceased bank customer” if I handled the transaction through by bank account. That is so bogus it’s ridiculous.
The other was a job offer to become a regional rep in a finance firm where I would be paid more than $2,000 a month. Strange.
First, I am a total stranger picked at random so why would I be offered a job? Second, I am a journalist with no finance experience. Third, the employer needs to use my bank account to conduct business? Bogus!
According to authorities, Australians are being taken in by these sorts of scams. Please, apply the commonsense test. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
Why would an employer offer you a job that has no connection with your work history? Why would an employer need to use your bank account to conduct business?
Job boards in Australia are doing all we can to stop the scammers but they can be tricky. If in doubt, read the “Protection against scams” advisory at the bottom of the CareerOne home page. You can also report anything strange via contact_us@careerone.com.au.
