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Cape Town - With a number of cyber criminals posting fake job ads online, it is important that internet users protect themselves from fraud and harassment says online classifieds company Gumtree.
"A lot of these adverts seem entirely legitimate, which is why it's important to do a quick check before providing your details," said Claire Cobbledick, head of Marketing for Gumtree SA.
The eBay-owned classifieds site hosts over 600 000 ads and with 30 000 being posted per day, it is difficult for the company to police every advert on an individual basis.
Criminals typically target posting job ads with limited educational or experience criteria in order to attract the highest number of responses and it is not advisable that you immediately send through your CV with all your personal details.
"If the company does not reveal their name in the advert (as many don't), send a very polite email requesting further details about the position and the business, stating that you are interested and would like to know a bit more," Cobbledick said.
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According to Statistics SA, the unemployment rate in the country is 25%, which translates to 15 million workers at the end of 2014, up from 8.9 million in 1994.
The unemployment rate is fertile ground for criminals to exploit people with then promises of jobs online.
"Women have also found themselves subject to harassment by men who pose as employers and demand illicit photographs in order to secure (fake) jobs," Gumtree said.
Cobbledick warned women particularly who see job ads for front office staff to be wary about sending pictures as part of the job application process.
"Even if the job is based on physical appearance - like professional modelling - a professional would require a portfolio and a face-to-face. I'd be wary of advertisers looking for administrative assistants or a receptionist that insists on photos."
A number of job ads also include "training" for which applicants are asked to pay. But these are most often scams as reputable organisations would not require that applicants pay for training.
In addition, once scammers have your contact details and even copies of important documents such as identity documents, they can use it to perpetrate fraud in your name.
Cobbledick advised people applying for jobs online to be careful and be patient.
"There are thousands of legitimate job opportunities and adverts to choose from. It's tough, but wait for the right one to come along."
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