The oil and gas industry is a lucrative and competitive sector that attracts many job seekers. It is also a lucrative target for evil fraudsters who use various techniques to scam unsuspecting candidates, using their hopes and dreams against them. Many people fall victim to these online recruitment scams, so let’s look at some of the common job scams in the oil and gas industry, how to identify them, and how to avoid handing over your bank account.
How Job Scams Work
Job scams are a type of phishing, where the scammer pretends to be a legitimate employer or recruiter, and offers a fake job opportunity to the victim. The scammer will often use the name and logo of a well known company, copy their website, post fake jobs on online job boards or social media, or send emails directly to the candidates. The scammer may also conduct fake interviews with the candidates, either online or over the phone.
The main goal of the scammer is to obtain the personal information and money of the victim. The scammer may ask the victim to provide copies of their passports, bank account information, social security number, or other sensitive data. The scammer may also ask the victim to pay a fee for processing visas, work permits, background checks, or other services. The victim may be promised a high paying job, a signing bonus, or other benefits.
However, once the victim pays the fee or provides their information, they will never hear from the scammer again. The victim may lose their money, have their identity stolen, or become a victim of other fraudulent activity.
Spotting Job Scams
Job scams in the oil and gas industry can be quite sophisticated and very convincing, but there are signs that can help you spot them. Here are some tips to identify job scams:
- Watch for poor grammar or spelling mistakes in the job postings, emails, or other forms of communication. Legitimate companies usually have professional and error-free communication.
- Be wary of unsolicited emails or calls from recruiters or employers who offer you a job without applying for it or having an interview. Legitimate companies usually have a formal hiring process that involves screening candidates and conducting interviews.
- Research the company and the recruiter before applying for a job or accepting an offer. Check their website, social media accounts, online reviews, and contact details. If you cannot find any information about them or if they have negative feedback, they may be scammers.
- Never pay any fees or provide any personal information before verifying the job offer. Legitimate companies do not ask candidates to pay for visas, work permits, background checks, or other services. They also do not ask candidates to provide their bank account or credit card information, social security number, passports, or other sensitive data.
- If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of job offers that promise high salaries, bonuses, benefits, or perks that are unrealistic or disproportionate to your qualifications or experience.
- There are no entry level overseas jobs. Countries protect their jobs and their workforce by requiring that oil and gas companies employ local workers for all unskilled labor and much of the skilled labor. If you have no experience, no company will fly you across the globe to do a job that a local could do.
Avoiding Job Scams in the Oil and Gas Industry
Job scams in the oil and gas industry can be damaging and costly, but there are some steps you can take to avoid scams when searching for jobs. Here are some suggestions:
- Use reputable online job boards that have a screening process for employers and recruiters. Avoid clicking on links or attachments from unknown sources or suspicious emails.
- Apply directly through the company’s website or official channels. Do not use third-party agents or intermediaries who claim to represent the company or offer you a shortcut.
- Ask questions and request details about the job offer, such as the job description, salary range, contract terms, location, and start date. If the employer or recruiter is vague, evasive, impatient, or inconsistent, they may be scammers.
- Verify the job offer by contacting the company directly using their official contact details. Do not rely on any contact details provided by the employer or recruiter who contacted you. Companies are very aware of these job scams, and should have no problem verifying information for you.
- Report any suspected job scams to local authorities, online job boards, and to the companies being impersonated.
- If you can’t determine whether or not a company is legitimate, simply move on.
Job scams in the oil and gas industry are a serious problem that can affect many job seekers. However, by being aware of the common techniques that fraudsters use, knowing how to spot them, and taking precautions to avoid them, you can protect yourself from these scams and find legitimate job opportunities in this sector. Scammers might be extremely convincing, but in the end, they want your money or your identity.