How to recognize a fraudulent employer

Finding a job, especially when it is vital, is a serious stress. In this state, we easily lose our vigilance, which is what scammers use. And although most of their tricks are well known, deceived applicants do not become less. What should you pay attention to so as not to become another victim?

Collection of personal data

The maximum that the employer can request is the last name, first name and patronymic for verification by the security service. He has no legal grounds for collecting passport data, detailed contacts of friends and relatives, as well as scanning documents.

When we fill out a detailed questionnaire, we give the opportunity to sell this information to databases of dubious mailings. And having copies of the passport, TIN, SNILS in their hands, scammers can easily issue a consumer loan on quick loan sites.

“Need to pay for…”

At work, we should receive money, not spend it. Therefore, proposals for the purchase of a starter kit, a set of overalls, payment for an internship, training, membership, and the purchase of goods should immediately raise doubts. Conscientious employers provide this for free, as they are interested in you having everything you need to get started.

“When we get big, your salary will double”

Of course, it is not uncommon for a small and not very well-known company to grow into a serious enterprise. But when choosing a job, it’s better not to focus on such stories. So, from an invitation to a “very profitable project”, which in the future will bring a lot of money, you should refuse. With a high probability, the “project” will quickly close, employers will be out of reach, and employees will be left without money.

Involvement in illegal activities

Online casinos, sports betting, money for likes and reviews, registration of IP or LLC for third parties – all this can turn into big troubles. If you are promised high pay, while not requiring any education, experience, or even effort, most likely this is the same “cheese in a mousetrap”.

Salary through intermediary services

The more complex money transfer schemes, the less likely you are to receive them. According to the law, everything is simple: the labor of employees is paid by transfer to a bank card or in cash if the company has a registered cash desk. In the case of freelancing, the payment method is indicated in the contract signed by both parties.

Registration of work abroad

The attackers promise help in finding a job, obtaining a visa and insurance. Offer to make contributions, sign documents. But upon careful reading of the contract, you can find the phrase about the “provision of information services.” In other words, they only undertake to inform you, not to arrange the move. In which case, you will have to solve problems alone.

“Are you in a relationship right now?”

A self-respecting company or customer always adheres to the principles of business ethics and does not exceed its authority. If you are asked uncomfortable questions or make obscene suggestions, you have the right not to answer the interlocutors and stop contacting them.

Trial period without payment

It’s just illegal. According to the Labor Code, during the probationary period, the company must sign an agreement with the employee and pay him wages in full. If you are a freelancer, the decision to include a trial period in the contract is up to you.

A deal with a trick

Papers need to be read very carefully, especially the part that is printed in small print. The text should clearly indicate the title of the position, duties, salary, work schedule. Clarify any unclear or suspicious points with the employer.

For example, such a measure as a fine is not established by the Labor Code, so there should not be information about this penalty in the contract. Freelancers should come up with their own contract template for cooperation, perhaps with the help of a lawyer.

Job mismatch

An employer interested in competent employees writes down all the duties and requirements for a candidate in a resume. And no one has the right to require you to perform tasks that are not specified in it, without signing the appropriate agreements. The vacancy, the employment contract and the duties performed must correspond to each other.

Lack of company registration data

To make sure that the organization is trustworthy, check it through the Unified State Register of Legal Entities (EGRLE). This way you will find out if the company is active and registered in the prescribed manner. You can also get additional information: for example, the address of the office or the powers of the general director.

The corresponding section is on the website of the Federal Tax Service – for verification, it is enough to enter the TIN of the organization.

Lack of information about the employer

Vacancies that indicate the laconic “large Russian company”, “marketing agency” or “online store” instead of the name of the organization do not inspire confidence. Nowadays, any serious business has its own website, page on social networks and corporate mail.

If you are working with an individual, check the accuracy of the name and phone number. Find at least one real social media account. The more information available, the less likely you are to be deceived, as this will cost the employer’s reputation.

Negative feedback

Before entering into a correspondence or accepting a test task, search the Internet for the opinions of customers and employees about the organization. Working conditions, attitudes within the team, fulfillment of obligations – all this will help to form a general impression of her.

Terms of payment of salaries

According to the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, an employee receives a salary twice a month: in the form of an advance payment and the main part. If other schemes are offered, it is worth checking the company for compliance with other labor law standards. For freelancers, the payment terms must correspond to those specified in the contract.

What to do if you are still scammed?

• Collect all possible evidence of fraud or abuse of position: correspondence photos, available data – full name, phone numbers, accounts, email addresses;
• Contact the moderators of the resource on which the vacancy was posted with a request to take action;
• Write about the scammer and his scheme on all available platforms: blog, social networks, forums, portals and thematic resources;
• If you are ready to go all the way, contact the police with a request to start a fraud case under Article 159 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.