Hypothetical case studies
Case Study 1: Fake Job Posting
Reena, a recent college graduate, is searching for her first job. She comes across an attractive job posting online for a reputable company in her field of interest. Excited about the opportunity, she applies for the position by submitting her resume and personal information through the provided application portal. After a few days, Reena receives an email congratulating her on being selected for an interview. However, the email asks her to pay a fee upfront for processing her application or for scheduling the interview.
Desperate for employment, Reena pays the fee, believing it to be a legitimate part of the application process. Unfortunately, after paying the fee, she never hears back from the company, and her attempts to contact them go unanswered.
Security tips:
- Be cautious of job postings that require upfront fees or payments. Legitimate employers do not typically charge applicants for job opportunities or interviews.
- Research the company thoroughly before applying, and verify the legitimacy of any requests for payment or personal information.
Case Study 2: Work-From-Home Scam
Malik, a professional looking for remote work, discovers an advertisement for a work-from-home opportunity promising high earnings with minimal effort. Intrigued, he contacts the company and is quickly offered the job. They inform Malik that he needs to purchase expensive software or training materials before he can start working. Eager to begin, Malik pays the requested amount and receives the promised materials. However, he soon realizes that the materials are either outdated or entirely irrelevant. Furthermore, the company provides little to no support, making it impossible for him to earn the promised income.
Security tips:
- Be wary of work-from-home opportunities that require significant upfront investments or expenses.
- Research the company and read reviews from reliable sources before committing to any financial commitments. Legitimate work-from-home opportunities are often backed by reputable companies and do not require significant upfront costs.