Standard Methods of Fraud by Dishonest Employers
Unfortunately, fraud by dishonest employers has become quite common in the modern world. As many people seek work, they become vulnerable to various tricks and manipulations. Scammers use different approaches, from false vacancies to salary fraud and social guarantees. In this article, we will look at the most common ways that unscrupulous employers can deceive their employees and recruit companies and give tips on how to protect themselves from such situations. Knowledge is one of the best tools to prevent financial losses and psychological harm.
Fraud against job candidates
There are many ways of fraud by dishonest employers, which can lead to financial losses and psychological damage to employees. Here are some of the most common methods:
- False vacancies
This method applies more to candidates and aims not to hire an employee but to collect the personal data of applicants. Employers can place job ads with obviously non-existent positions to collect data about applicants for later use in newsletters or other purposes or use them for fraudulent schemes to collect test tasks, as described below. - Cheating with test tasks
The test tasks for job candidates do not relate to violations by themselves. However, dishonest employers can collect test assignments without the intention of hiring employees to solve the company’s current tasks for free. In this case, the “red flags” may be too detailed tasks, the requirement to develop a company development strategy, and feedback from other candidates who were treated in this way. - Payment for registration and training
Some employers may require prepayment for paperwork, such as an employment contract or medical certificate, as well as for training in some skills necessary for work, promising to refund the money after employment. However, such refunds may not be available, and most likely, they will be. - Indefinite and free trial period
Sometimes, dishonest employers offer to work for free without registration, arguing that you must pass a probation period. You should not agree to this since there is a high probability that you will not receive payment. The probation period’s duration is determined in the employment contract, which is no more than three months, and during this time the employee is required to pay wages.
Fraud against employees
Not only candidates for vacancies but also employees may face deception from a dishonest employer. Here are some examples.
1.Employment contracts with unfavourable conditions
The inclusion of prohibited conditions in an employment contract should immediately alert you. Examples include the introduction of fines for various offences and unilateral salary reductions without warning the employee.
2. Incorrect salary calculations
Dishonest employers can delay wage payments and underestimate them without reason and without providing explanations or documents.
3. Cheating with working conditions
The employer may provide the candidate with information about working conditions that do not correspond to reality, including due to the employer’s failure to comply with safety regulations. This can lead to dangerous situations in the workplace when employees are forced to work in the absence of unique clothing or insurance, in conditions of faulty electrical wiring, etc.
4. Misuse of personal data
Employers may use the collected personal data of employees to obtain loans or other financial benefits, which is a severe violation of the law.
5. Work without registration
Employees can be allowed to work without registration, promising to register “retroactively.” Dishonest employers do this, who need an employee for a while. In this case, the employee may never receive a salary, and the company may use free labour, which violates the law, but it is often difficult to prove such free work.
6. Fraud with freelance contracts
Dishonest employers can sign contracts with freelancers, promising payment, but ultimately do not pay the money and use the work done. There is a high risk of such fraud when working remotely when the customer is located in another country.
It is important to be careful when looking for a job so as not to become a victim of deception. Understanding such fraudulent schemes will help protect your rights and finances.
Can dishonest employers cheat recruitment agencies
Yes, recruitment agencies can also face deception on the part of employers. Here are a few everyday situations:
- False claims
Employers may impose excessive requirements on candidates who are not really needed, making it difficult to find suitable employees. - Hidden employment conditions
Some employers may not disclose working conditions, such as salary levels, hours, or additional responsibilities. - Cancellation of vacancies
Employers can cancel vacancies after recruiting has already begun, which wastes the recruiting agency’s time and resources. - Non-fulfillment of obligations
Employers may not fulfill the terms of the agency’s contract, such as paying for services or providing timely feedback. - False information about the company
Employers may provide false or misleading information about their company, which may lead to incorrect perceptions by candidates. - Short-term plans
Some employers may seek employees only temporarily, hiding this from agencies and candidates, which does not always meet the expectations of agencies and candidates.
Recruitment agencies must conduct thorough checks of employers and their intentions to avoid such situations.
What facts about the company should alert job candidates
It is not always immediately apparent that the company that hires employees is dishonest. Before responding to a vacancy or accepting an invitation to an interview, and even after it, you need to ask for information about the company and reviews from former employees.
Several factors can alert a candidate for a job and indicate that the employer may be a fraudulent company. Here are the main ones:
- Unclear working conditions
If the job description does not clearly state the candidate’s requirements and duties, as well as information about the salary and additional conditions, this may be a sign of fraud. - Lack of information about the company
If the employer does not provide sufficient information about himself, his history, location, and contact details, this may arouse suspicion. The absence of a company’s website or social network account and the inability to find information about the company on the Internet may indicate a fraudulent company. - Requesting personal information in the early stages
If you are required to provide personal data (for example, passport data, bank card numbers, etc.) at the initial stage of the interview, you should be wary. - Overly attractive conditions
If the offer looks too good to be true (high salary with minimum requirements), this may be a move by a dishonest employer. - Unusual interview methods
The use of informal interview methods, for example, through correspondence via messengers or social networks, without an official process, may indicate the unreliability of the employer and the possible illegality of the tasks for which the contractor is being sought. If, at the same time, the “recruiter” uses incorrect expressions and typical phrases, there is a possibility that this is a bot that collects information about candidates for someone’s illegal purposes. - Unusual behaviour of the recruiter
The candidate should be alerted when, during the interview, he does not receive answers to his questions or is answered in general phrases without specifics about responsibilities, the place and time of their fulfilment, and the number of earnings. - Delaying the employment process
If the employer constantly postpones interviews or requires additional actions related to personal data, this may be a signal of a fraudulent scheme. - Lack of official documents
If an employer offers a job without signing an official contract or contract, this may indicate dishonesty. - Bad reviews about the company
You can find information about the company on the Internet. The presence of negative feedback from former employees or disturbing news (for example, about bankruptcy or lawsuits) may indicate unreliability. - Minor or missing requirements for candidates
If there are no educational or experience requirements, this may be a sign of the company’s low qualifications or fraudulent intentions. - The need to make an advance payment
If an employer demands payment for registration, training or other services before starting work, this is an unambiguous signal of fraud.
You should be careful and trust your intuition. If something seems suspicious, it is better to continue searching for a more reliable employer.
We’re Here to Help
If you contact us by the email we guarantee that you will receive a feedback from us within 2 (two) hours on any business day and within 6 (six) hours on any other day (holidays etc.).