The prevalence of job scams is increasing, often involving fraudulent advertisements for non-existent positions. From January to June 2021, individuals affected by such scams lost approximately S$6.5 million, a significant rise from around S$60,000 during the same timeframe in the previous year.
In Singapore, job listings are usually posted by employers or employment agencies, with most being submitted by direct employers. If you’ve recently been contacted with a job offer via phone or email, how can you ensure it comes from a legitimate recruitment consultant or a credible company? Here are three protective measures you can take.
Tip #1 Confirm the Caller’s Identity
When you receive a call or email from someone claiming to represent an employment agency, you should check their credentials at www.mom.gov.sg/eadirectory to ensure that they are listed in the Employment Agencies and Personnel Directory (EA directory).
In Singapore, all personnel working for employment agencies must be registered with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and can only be affiliated with one agency at a time.
If you’re still uncertain about the caller’s legitimacy, ask for a video call and request to see their EA PERSONNEL card. According to MOM regulations, all EA personnel must present their registration card to clients and permit them to note down any details. This card should contain the individual’s full name, registration number, EA licence number, a photo of the personnel, and the recruitment agency’s name.
Tip #2: Avoid Sharing Your NRIC Number
Many job applications do not require the submission of your NRIC number. According to Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act, employers may only request your NRIC if mandated by law or if it is essential for verifying your identity, such as during the onboarding process for new hires.
If an employer needs to verify your identity on a job application, provide only part of your NRIC number (e.g., XXXXX567A) or show your NRIC without allowing them to make a copy.
There are specific situations where you may be asked for your full NRIC number, particularly for security clearance in roles related to national security. In these cases, monitor how your NRIC is managed and retrieve it as soon as possible.
As a precaution, always follow the two tips mentioned above when faced with any job offers. Additionally, be cautious of the increasing number of ‘job opportunities’ from what appear to be direct employers.
Many scammers have become more sophisticated, posing as legitimate companies with professional websites and official contact information. Some even create work-related chat groups to share advice and personal experiences, attempting to persuade victims of their authenticity.
To protect yourself from such fraudsters, take the time to conduct comprehensive background checks.
Tip #3 Verify the Company
Visit www.uen.gov.sg to obtain the Unique Entity Number (UEN) of the company. In Singapore, every registered business, organisation, or corporation is assigned a UEN, which consists of either 9 or 10 digits. A valid UEN is a strong indicator that you are engaging with a legitimate entity.
Additionally, examine the company’s official website and search for a contact number where you can reach a real person. Ensure that the job listing is present on both the company’s site and well-known job boards.
The details provided about the job can significantly reveal whether the offer is authentic. If the job description is vague or lacking in detail, if the ‘company representative’ struggles to clearly explain the position, or if you can’t find the job online, request further information.
Before accepting any job offer, arrange an in-person meeting with someone from the HR department, and refrain from sharing personal information too soon. Given that many interactions now happen online, meeting HR at their office can help confirm the job’s legitimacy.
If you still have reservations after following these steps, it’s best to walk away. It’s wiser to let a questionable opportunity pass than to risk falling victim to a scam later on.
What Exactly is a Job Scam?
Job scams manifest in various ways. The Singapore Police Force has warned the public about several types of job scams, including:
– Fraudulent job offers that entice victims with seemingly effortless tasks in exchange for commissions that seem too good to be true.
– Affiliate marketing schemes where individuals are promised a commission for promoting social media posts by simply liking them.
– Unsolicited job offers received from unfamiliar or foreign phone numbers.
– Requests for victims to use their personal bank accounts to transfer funds to strangers in exchange for a commission.
– Recruitment efforts aimed at collecting personal information such as names, NRIC numbers, and phone numbers.
For additional details regarding job scams, please visit https://www.scamalert.sg/scam-details/job-scam.
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