With the increase of employment pressure, online recruitment and headhunting agencies have become the main way for job seekers to find jobs. However, various recruitment scams are also emerging. From false job opportunities that promise “high salaries and ease,” to scams of “training fees and deposits,” to “black market brokers” and pyramid schemes, many job seekers not only can’t find suitable jobs, but also face the risk of financial and even personal safety. When a job seeker encounters a recruitment scam, it is essential to identify and safeguard their rights and interests.

1. The most common type of recruitment scam

Deposit or deposit

Some companies charge job seekers before recruitment, claiming to pay "costing deposits, information fees, entry security deposits", etc., and then promise to return them after entering the job. However, once paid, the money disappears without a trace.

Fake high-paying job opportunities

Some scammers lure job seekers with promises such as "monthly entry" and "no experience" to lure them into participating in illegal activities such as pyramid schemes, false orders, and soliciting customers.

Compulsory training fees

They charge high training fees on the grounds of “necessary training for employment”, but these trainings are often worthless, and many people are still unable to find work after completing the training.

Fake job opportunities

Scammers publish false job advertisements in job search websites and WeChat groups, posing as reputable companies. Job seekers unknowingly paid for information gathering and medical examinations, and ultimately suffered heavy losses.

Confiscation of documents and forced contracts

Some “black market traders” seized identity documents, diplomas and bank cards, forced people to sign unfair contracts, thereby restricting their personal freedom and illegally withholding their wages.

Misunderstandings of job seekers

Many people go through the following stages after being cheated:

Underestimating the amount: Some people think that the amount of the cheated is too small, give up their rights, and eventually fall into the hands of fraudsters.

Fear of being cheated on a job: Some people call the police and hesitate to leave a criminal record or career development.

Blindly relying on "rights defense institutions": some "secondary fraud" companies claim to help recover losses, but they disappear after charging high fees.

Such misunderstandings often lead to the failure of rights protection and fraud again.

How to defend after being cheated

Timely collection of evidence

Please keep screenshots such as job advertisements, chat records, remittance vouchers, and contract documents, which are important evidence of rights protection.

Reporting to the Public Security Organs

If you find an obvious fraud, please call the police immediately. If the amount is large or restricts personal freedom, the police will file a case for investigation according to law.

Complaints to the Labour Inspectorate

In the event of a labor contract dispute, a complaint may be lodged with the labor inspection team of the Human Resources and Social Security Bureau. The Labour Inspectorate has the right to order the employing unit to correct the illegal act.

Report to the Market Supervisory Authority

If it is found that the qualifications of the intermediary institution are not qualified, it can report to the Market Supervision Bureau and request the investigation of the illegal act.

Retrieved by legal means

If the evidence is conclusive, the victim may file a civil lawsuit requesting the return of the illegal fees and compensation.

Safeguarding collective rights

If multiple job seekers are deceived by the same recruitment agency, job seekers can join forces to report or file a class action lawsuit to improve the efficiency of rights protection.

Fourth, practical tips to prevent recruitment fraud

Verify recruitment company information

In the national enterprise credit information publicity system, job seekers information and other platforms to inquire about the company's qualifications, vigilance "shell company".

Beware of Commission Fraud

The Labor Law stipulates that the employer may not collect a deposit or commitment from the employee before hiring an employee. The requirement of an employee advance payment may amount to fraud.

Beware of excessive salary commitments

Reasonable job search.” High salaries and easy, zero experience can also be easy to get started with slogans such as "often untrue. High-paying jobs are often accompanied by high demands.

Signing a formal contract

Before entering the job, it is necessary to sign a legal labor contract, clarify the terms of the post, salary, probation period, etc., and keep it properly.

Beware of “Intermediary Recommendations”

Regular recruitment agencies must hold a business license and a human resources service license. In particular, be wary of intermediaries who are not publicly qualified.

Raising awareness of your rights

When faced with a problem, do not be silent. Learn how to defend your rights through legal means.

V. CONCLUSIONS

A job search should be a journey to a dream and a future, but many people suffer from fraud. Identifying scams and avoiding traps are essential skills for job seekers. If you encounter fraud, be brave to take legal action to safeguard your rights and interests, and prevent fraudsters from taking advantage of them.

Safeguarding legitimate rights and interests is not only a personal responsibility, but also a commitment to safeguarding a healthy employment environment for the whole society. Only when all job seekers are vigilant and actively safeguard their rights and interests can they jointly build a fair, safe and transparent job market.