Faith spent weeks excitedly preparing for her new job, only to discover it was a scam after she had already handed over her personal information and part of her savings. Unfortunately, stories like hers are becoming increasingly common in Kenya. The thrill of new job opportunities can sometimes overshadow the risk of job scams. Here's how you can protect yourself and recognize red flags before it's too late.
The Lure of Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers
Job scammers are experts at crafting the perfect job opportunity. They know what you're looking for and how to get your attention. Here are some common tactics they use:
- High Salary for Low Qualifications: If a job is offering Ksh 200,000 for entry-level positions without requiring any specific skills or experience, proceed with caution. Legitimate companies like Safaricom or Equity Bank conduct thorough evaluations and interviews before extending such offers.
- Immediate Job Offers: Genuine companies take time to evaluate your application. Be wary of offers that come without interviews or reference checks.
- Vague Job Descriptions: Listings that are overly general and lack specific responsibilities or company details could be an indication of a scam.
Spotting the Scammer's Signature Moves
While scammers are getting increasingly sophisticated, several tell-tale signs can help you identify them:
Unofficial Email Addresses
Genuine job offers will typically come from company-specific email addresses (e.g., @safaricom.co.ke). Be cautious if you receive emails from generic domains like @gmail.com or @yahoo.com, even if the sender claims to represent a well-known company.
Upfront Fees or Personal Information Requests
- Pre-Employment Payments: If a job asks you to pay a registration fee, training fee, or any sort of deposit, it's likely a scam. Authentic employers never request money from applicants.
- Sensitive Information: Scammers often ask for personal information such as your ID number or bank details. Genuine employers will request such information only after a formal hiring process is completed.
Due Diligence: Research and Verification
Before you get too invested in an opportunity, take the time to carry out some research:
- Company Research: Use platforms like BrighterMonday and Fuzu to verify the legitimacy of the company. Check for a valid website and contact details. Established companies like Twiga Foods will have a clear online presence.
- Contact Them Directly: If you receive an offer, don't hesitate to call the company directly to confirm. Use the contact details from the official website, not the details provided in the offer.
- Consult Reviews: Look for reviews on Glassdoor or LinkedIn to see what current or former employees have to say about the company.
Trust Your Gut
If something feels off, trust your instincts. Here are common signs that should get your alarm bells ringing:
- Pressure Tactics: Scammers often create a fake sense of urgency to prevent you from thinking things through. Any pressure to make immediate decisions is a potential red flag.
- Job Offer without a Formal Interview: Reliable companies will never skip interviews. If you haven't had a formal interview, your radar should be up.
Making Wise Use of Platform Resources
Take advantage of trusted platforms and training schools:
- Moringa School and iHub: Pursue courses that boost your qualifications and make your candidacy more competitive. This approach reduces desperation due to a lack of skills that scammers exploit.
- Networking: Connect with professionals on LinkedIn or attend industry meetups. Personal recommendations from people you trust are often safer than responding to anonymous job board listings.
Navigating the Kenyan job market requires vigilance and a critical approach. By spotting the signals early and taking the right precautions, you can focus on legitimate opportunities and land a job that truly values your skills. Stay informed, stay alert, and most importantly, protect yourself from the likes of scammers.