Many jobseekers have complained of being approached by fake recruiters via email and social media websites. Some of the people have been cheated by fraudulent companies, raking their savings after luring them with big plans. But there are ways by which people can identify such companies.

Sixty-two per cent of professionals in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are looking for a job or plan to look for one this year, according to a survey.

In the recent past, both the Gulf countries have taken measures to draw foreign talent. The UAE, home to multinational companies, is among the top destinations for workers as it offers a zero-tax policy while Saudi Arabia under its Vision 2030 has taken steps to welcome skilled persons as part of its decision to diversify its economy.

Although such a trend has led to a competitive job market it has also given space to scammers and fraudsters. According to media reports, they trap skilled workers looking for jobs outside their home country. They have also taken ransom money after taking them hostage.

But some basic steps would help jobseekers to differentiate between fake and original recruiters.

Check email address

If anyone is approached by a company or any firm posts a job, people should check the email address as it does not belong to the original organisation. Scammers are reported to have used free email ID domains to approach people.

Legal recruiters use their official email addresses with the company’s name and logo.

Send an email to original company

Even if people doubt an email or message, they should directly approach the original company by sending an email to them which they can find in their Contact Us section.

It would be better to send screenshots of the email and the sender’s address to the company to have verification.

Be vigilant

For unemployed people, it would be difficult to have a second thought after receiving an invitation for an interview or job offer. But they should always remain vigilant as companies do not approach applicants without receiving any email after posting a job.

Moreover, a job offer is issued to applicants after a series of processes that include tests and interviews.

Organisations also approach applicants when they have received their reference through someone they know.

Tall claims

There have been instances when fraudulent firms have posted jobs with high salaries, differing from the available market rate.

Reports have said that such posts or advertisements are made to entice people to the fake job.

Grammatical mistakes

It is an easy catch for people as scammers often make grammatical and spelling mistakes while posting a job or sending an email.

The reason for this is that they are not fluent in English or double-check their posts.

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Seeking money

Many people working outside their home country have warned people of agents or recruiters seeking money for jobs. They ask for money for fees, visa issuance or some other purposes without any clear information.

Such practices are illegal in the UAE. Applicants should remember that companies hire recruiting agencies for their required positions and never seek money.

The article was originally published in Khaleej Times.