Beware of Fake Job Scam: Don’t Fall Prey to Job Offers Online
In today’s world, where everything is available at the click of a button, finding a job online has become increasingly popular. However, with this convenience comes a new danger: the rise of fake job scams. These scams prey on job seekers, offering lucrative job offers that are too good to be true. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to these scams, losing their hard-earned money and personal information.
Learn how to spot typical fraud and scams in Malaysia to keep yourself safe. By being aware and taking necessary steps, you can protect yourself from these fraudulent job offers and find a genuine job opportunity online.
What is phishing?
Phishing scams are a common type of job scam that often starts with an email, SMS, or instant message that appears to be from a legitimate company, such as Shinjiru or a regional bank. The message is designed to trick the recipient into thinking that they need to act immediately.
To achieve this, the message may contain alarming information, such as a bogus claim that the recipient is past due on a debt or that their account has been compromised. The scammers rely on the recipient’s sense of urgency to prompt them to respond right away.
If the recipient clicks on the link in the message, it will take them to a fake website. This website is designed to resemble an official website in terms of both name and design, and it may even have a URL that is similar to the real website. The scammers use this fake website to get the recipient to disclose private information, such as their login credentials or credit card information.
Alternatively, the fake website may be used to get the recipient to download malware or ransomware. This type of scam is particularly dangerous, as it can infect the recipient’s computer or mobile device with harmful software that can steal their personal information or encrypt their files, making them inaccessible.
How to recognise a fake website?
When looking for job opportunities online, it’s important to be aware of the signs of fake job scams. One way to spot a scam is to double check the website’s URL before entering any personal information.
A genuine website will have a URL that matches the company’s name and the industry it operates in. For example, a legitimate job board for tech jobs might have a URL like “techjobs.com”. If the website’s URL does not match the company’s name or industry, it may be a fake website designed to steal your personal information.
Another way to spot a legitimate website is to look for a padlock symbol on the address bar. This symbol indicates that the website is secure and that any information you enter on the website will be encrypted and protected from unauthorised access.
By checking the URL and looking for these security indicators, you can avoid falling victim to fake job scams that are designed to steal your personal information. Remember to be cautious when entering personal information online and to verify the legitimacy of a website before sharing any sensitive information.
How to secure your online presence?
Despite the fact that scams are more prevalent in today’s world, there are a few guidelines we may follow to prevent them.
#1 Ensure your device security
One of the most basic ways to do this is by using strong passwords and PINs. It’s important to avoid using passwords and PINs that are simple to guess, such as “1234,” “0000,” or “password.” Instead, create a strong and unique password by combining upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. If a data breach exposes your password, it’s crucial to change it right away to prevent hackers from accessing your accounts and stealing your personal information.
#2 Keep your data safe and sound
Legitimate companies, organisations, and government representatives will never voluntarily request your personal information through channels such as email, SMS, or instant messaging. It’s crucial to be wary of clicking on links or opening emails that appear suspicious. Additionally, set up malware and antivirus software on your devices and ensure your Wi-Fi network is safe and secure by using strong passwords, encrypting your network, and regularly updating your router’s firmware.
#3 Do not rush into decisions
When it comes to phone calls, it’s important to stay vigilant and not make snap decisions. Scammers may pose as government officials, business representatives, or bank representatives to trick you into giving them sensitive information or money. Always confirm their identification and claim by calling the company or agency’s main phone number before taking any further action. This simple step can help you avoid falling victim to phone scams and keep your personal and financial information safe.
Common Scams in Malaysia
Following are some examples of the latest online and phone scams:
Pop-up Scam
Pop-ups that invite you to click on a link to complete a survey or select a gift box to win a “prize” may appear as you browse the web. You will then be taken to a payment page where you must “redeem the reward” by paying a little amount with a credit card, or enter your personal information or bank information.
Missed Call Scam Wangiri Fraud
Wangiri fraud is a type of phone scam where a missed call from an international number prompts the recipient to return the call. However, the number leads to a premium-rate service that charges exorbitant fees per minute, allowing the fraudster to earn a commission for each minute of call time.
Public Wi-Fi Scam
A public Wi-Fi scam is a type of cyber attack where fraudsters create fake Wi-Fi hotspots in public places such as cafes, airports, and hotels. Unsuspecting users may connect to these fake networks, thinking they are legitimate public Wi-Fi, and unknowingly expose their personal information to the attackers. The attackers can then intercept the user’s internet traffic and steal sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card details, and other personal data.
QR Code Scam
A sort of cyberattack known as a QR code scam involves scammers creating fake QR codes that, when scanned, take the user to a malicious website or app that can steal their personal data or infect their device with malware. The attackers may display the fake QR codes in public areas or send them via email or text message, frequently tempting people with the promise of a prize or discount. Attackers can access the victim’s device after the user scans the code and take sensitive data like login credentials, credit card information, and other personal information.
Phone Call Scam
A call scam is a type of fraud where attackers use phone calls to deceive individuals into providing personal information or making payments. Scammers may impersonate government agencies, tech support, or companies, and use social engineering tactics to manipulate victims. It’s crucial to be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls and verify the legitimacy of the caller and their request.
TAC Scam
Transaction Authorization Codes (TACs) are a security precaution to thwart unauthorised transactions and activities, however scammers have developed several methods of getting around the system.
For instance, scammers attempt to gain the TAC by pretending to be a Shinjiru employee and phoning the victim to “award” them with free merchandise or money. Before obtaining their prize, the unwary user is required to share the TAC they received through SMS, but when they do, credit is taken from their prepaid account.
Conclusion
In summary, it is important to be cautious and vigilant in the digital world to avoid falling prey to scammers. Some key tips include being wary of suspicious emails and links, setting up antivirus software and ensuring Wi-Fi networks are secure. It’s also important to never give out personal information to unknown or unverified individuals, and to confirm the identity and claims of anyone posing as a government official or representative by calling the main phone number of the company or agency. By staying alert and following these guidelines, individuals can protect themselves from potential scams and keep their personal and financial information safe.