Job scams have caused significant losses to job seekers using a variety of methods. One common scam involves fake interview invitation letters supposedly from reputable companies. The scammer asks the victim (job seeker) to transfer money for tickets, accommodation, and other expenses, promising reimbursement after the interview or selection.
They also attempt to obtain the victim’s banking data to access their credit card accounts.
Characteristics of a Fake Job Interview Invitation Letter
1. Does Not Mention the Position or Vacancy
Fake interview invitation letters often fail to specify the position or vacancy that the candidate is applying for. The document may be lengthy, including irrelevant and general details, such as the requirement to bring stationery or dress appropriately, which are unnecessary in a formal invitation. Furthermore, the signature on the letter is usually just a digital logo, lacking an official company stamp, a clear sign that the letter is fake.
2. includes Name of All Candidates
An authentic interview invitation should be personalized and addressed to an individual candidate. However, fake interview invitation letters often include the names of all invited candidates, indicating that it is not an official recruitment process. Moreover, candidates may be asked to book travel tickets through the recruitment committee or a fake travel agent that scammers have partnered with. This is a tactic to extort more money from the victim.
3. Candidates are Asked to Cover All Expenses with the Promise of Reimbursement
A defining characteristics of this fraudulent scheme is the request that candidates finance all transportation, accommodation, and related expenses during the selection process, with the assurance of reimbursement after the interview. In an official recruitment process, the company usually covers these costs or informs the candidate if the expenses must be borne by themselves.
4. Irrelevant and General Information
Fake interview invitation letters often contain irrelevant or nonsensical selection stages. The selection stages described are usually very general and not in line with professional recruitment methods. The qualifications listed are also very general and are often accompanied by promises of unrealistically high salaries, which do not match the job description.
5. unnecessary, Unusual, and Unprofessional Parts
Fake letters often include irrelevant parts, such as overly general questions and answers that are unnecessary in a formal invitation letter. Additionally, the language used is usually convoluted, unprofessional, and contains many typos, which further raises questions about the letter and is one of the signs that the letter is fraudulent.
6. Solicitation of Personal Data
Fraudulent companies may request your personal data, including sensitive banking information such as ATM card/credit card numbers, PIN, password, CVV/CVC, and card validity period, under the pretext of completing administrative requirements for participating in an interview session. The goal is to steam the victim’s banking data to carry out illegal transactions.
What to Do If You Encounter This Scam
If you come across a scam like this, immediately report the fraudulent activity to the authorities. If you suspect that your banking data has been compromised, report it to Halo BCA at 1500888 or via the haloBCA application for card/account blocking and other security measures.
To avoid falling for a job interview scam, stay vigilant and read more #AwasModus information from BCA to prevent similar crimes.