Scammers on Facebook job search
Everyone can use Facebook with an email address. Some people try to steal money from others. Facebook can remove these people after it’s attempted.
There are some Facebook groups where people look for a job. Scammers join these groups and pretend to be employers. When you post that you are looking for a job, they message you and offer you a good job. Or, they post job descriptions on the group, and you contact them. They finally ask you to pay.
In New Zealand, where lots of immigrants work, some of them struggle to get a job because of their poor English or lack of job experience. The cost of living is high in New Zealand. They are eager to get a well-paid job. That’s why they are vulnerable to scammers.
I went to work in Auckland, New Zealand in 2023. Facebook was the best way for me to look for a job(I wrote about it here). So, I joined some Facebook groups and tried to get a job. A lot of scammers contacted me. Now I can show you how you prevent yourself from them.
4 ways how you can avoid scammers
Join private groups
Most job search Facebook groups are public, which means everyone can join, post, and contact people. Groups can’ filter out scammers unless they commit scamming.
Some of the groups are private. When you try to join them, you need to answer some questions an administrator of the group set. Then, you should wait before you are approved. You can’t join it instantly. Scammers can be ruled out. But, still, there are lots of scammers.
Know traits of job descriptions they offer
They offer you well-paid jobs. They say it’s easy as if everyone can apply. You don’t have to attend an interview. They want to attract as many people as possible. So, job descriptions are fascinating for job seekers.
Know the characteristics of their accounts
They have a photo of their face on their profile. They are sexy or beautiful. Most of them are girls. Some of them are handsome boys.
They don’t post so much. They use their accounts just for scamming. They rarely post on Facebook.
They are quick to respond. When you message them, they message you back quickly. They don’t want to miss the chance.
They are in a group and message you similarly.
Never pay money
Scammers try to make you believe you are in the process of working and end up forcing you to pay money. You shouldn’t pay them money at all.
My personal experience
In the end, I can show you the case I messaged with scammers and I was in their system.
I was on a working holiday in New Zealand. I looked for a job. I joined some Facebook job search groups and posted that I was looking for a job.
About five people messaged me similar messages. They had sexy profile photos. One of them was a handsome boy.
They offered me a well-paid job related to travel. It’s online work. I didn’t need any job experience. They gave me a job description and asked if I was interested. I said yes. They asked for my full name and my phone number. I was in Japan. I didn’t have a New Zealand number. I don’t know why. They needed a New Zealand phone number. They needed to wait till I got a number.
I went to New Zealand and got a number. I contacted one of them. He gave me a link where I work. I did a simple repetitive task. I was on a traveling review site. I selected one of the good comments prepared. I put good reviews on sightseeing places. I just tapped my phone again and again.
I had points or something. I needed points to review. I continued to review and ran out of the points. After I review some more, I can get money in the system. They asked me to pay money by card to get points. I refused to do it.
Then, I was invited to a WhatsApp group where some people reported they had got money from the system. They obviously try to make me believe I can really get money.
I knew they were scammers. I talked with them because of my curiosity and I spent plenty of time. I eventually shut them down.
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