Spotting Job Scams
It is taking ever longer to produce the Jobs Abroad Bulletin because we have to keep stopping to check out whether particular advertisers are genuine or low down dirty scammers. Distance and the internet leave those job searching abroad open to abuse. Recently nanny jobs are the main culprit.
We have become quite experienced in catching these people out but we are certainly not infallible and some of the other sites that you may use to look for jobs abroad often do not have a human intermediary to weed out bad ads - Craigslist for example, an otherwise excellent and useful website, often carries advertisements that we have rejected. So what is it that should start the alarm bells ringing in our heads?
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Poor grammar and spelling by those that should know better:
Do the words used match the claims made? Though genuine advertisers do sometime write irriatatingly bad copy, full of spelling mistakes (hardly anyone can spell accommodation), this is often just the result of writing in a foreign language, being in a rush or just simple laziness in expecting me to spend the time touching up their poorly written advert.
I do not claim to be the greatest writer - despite passing my English language 'O' level with flying colours and doing well at English Lit 'A' level (and writing for a living) I couldn't tell you with great accuracy what a noun or an adverb are, confuse 'are' and 'is' and can get in a dreadful mess with belonging words.
However I do expect teachers, bank managers and other professionals to write reasonably well in their native language. For example some of the mistakes in the following text can be put down as genuine but those that I've highlighed in bold italics are generally to do with tense and do not add up for an educated person:
"We are the Murphy's family from North london Borough,My Wife work as a Bank Manager,I'm a retired military Personnel but presently running my own company,I work on mechanical production and repairs.We are out going,approachable and need someone to be a big sister to our little darlings.I will be very interested leaving my children to a good Caregiver for infants and am very interested in leaving our children in your care.We have two children the eldest is 5 she has mild Autistic traits but she is a fun loving Energetic child, and loves Arty things.She attends a Mainstream School a mile up the road from where we live.Our son is 4 he is noisy,lively loves playing games and in general is a typical boy!! He attends Nursery every day from 9 - 11:30 which is situated next to the school where we lived.We are urgently seeking for a Caregiver and i will like to put my children in your care.My children are just lovers of computer games,not allergic and free to people espec ially to strangers.I'm willing to pay 450 pounds weekly,I would like to know if you would be care giver of my children,Kindly reply me via my private email below if you are sure to care for them from Monday - Friday.
Over politeness and religious terminology:
I can't speak a word of Nigerian but it must be a very polite language because "blessed" is commonly used. Who, other than a vicar, says that in Britain. Read some of the spam emails from the relatives of dead African dictators that undoubtedly reach your inbox to study the language use of scammers.
No such place:
The Murphy's (sic) family say they are from North london Borough, rather than "a" north London borough.
Capital letters:
ARE VERY ANNOYING BUT CAN BE A HANDY CLUE.
High wages:
Too good to be true? Then perhaps it is. If the wage seems high for the position ask yourself why they can't fill the job locally. Most of the jobs on our website are low paid - we consider ourselves a travel website and working for a living as a means to this end.
Yahoo Email address:
Though in common use by individuals and small businesses advertising in JAB, would a big hotel or multi national company use a yahoo, hotmail, gmail or other such free email address?
A 70 phone number:
Numbers beginning +4470xx are redirected to a foreign country and can be obtained on the internet. More information on UK diverted numbers here
Too many positions offered:
There's supposed to be a credit crunch. Can they really need so many different staff at one time? Or are they just casting a wide net?
Same name, same ad, different location:
The made up Murphys were found out because a Google search showed they were advertising the same job but this time pretending to be Canadian.
THE GOLDEN RULE
Never send money to someone offering a job. Au pair and nanny agencies (not individuals) are legally able to charge a small fee but these days hardly any do. Reputable student work placement organisations, like BUNAC, and gap year companies do charge, sometimes hefty, fees. If you have never heard of a gap year organisation in which you are interested check them out - the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree is a good place to ask questions. If anyone else asks for cash for a job then it is a scam.
USE GOOGLE
If a job offer looks suspicious run the organisation or person (or both) through Google. If nothing comes up try the same but add the word "scam" to the search. Another option is to search the email address and see if and where it has been used before. Again, try adding "scam" to the search.
OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES
Fraudwatchers - www.fraudwatchers.org
Scam-O-matic - www.scamomatic.com
Close Up: Spotting a Scam - tvnz.co.nz/view/video_popup_windows_skin/1020516
FAKE JOB EXAMPLES
Gallery Hotel London
name = Mr Alex Brown
replyemail = mr.alexbrown@hotmail.com
location = London
jobheading = vacancies in london
jobdetails = * WELCOME TO THE GALLERY HOTELS LONDON *
Head office in UK :Address: 8-10 Queensberry Place, London,
Phone: +44 70 24 07 83 04
From the gallery hotels London management. This is to inform you that the management of gallery hotels are in need of workers whom employment will be granted to work at the gallery hotel and gallery dancing club in our new site in London for more than 2 years. The gallery hotel management are in charge to take care of your accommodation & flight tickets . Also to exercise perfectly on your visa processing towards the London skilled worker eligible visasThis is the Job Vacancies, Remember to include the Job Position you choose while getting back to me. I will forward to you the terms and condition and the Hotel Application Form will follow once you get back to me.
GALLERY HOTEL LONDON has immediate employment opportunities. (GHL) intends to invite experienced individuals/expatriates or Consultancy firm capable of rendering expertise services in various fields of Business Management, M.B.A (Finance), Administrative and Commissioning, GHL has immediate employment/Vacancies in following Designations. Accountant, Duty Manager, Front Manager, Sales Manager, Receptionists, Drivers, Bar boy, Cook, Food & Beverage Cost Controller/Manager, Customer Manager, Computer Applicant, Software/Hardware Engineers, Elect. Engineer, Auto Engineer. e.t.c. Experienced is preferred, but we're willing to train an eager individual who wants to learn all aspects of pastry. NB: all salaries ranges from 3000 to 7000 Pounds, depending on the Job Position you choose, every information you needed will be attended humbly. for further assistance call the number above.
THE VACANCY MANAGER OF GALLARY HOTEL LONDON
MR. ALEX BROWN
mr.alexbrown@hotmail.com (Private E-mail)
Yahoo Messenger only add me (mr_alexbrown@yahoo.com)
The Gallery Hotel
Mr Daniel
name = Mr Daniel
replyemail = mrdanielrocha1@gmail.com
location = England
jobheading = English teacher Needed in England
jobdetails = Dear Respected Teacher,
Me is Mr. Rocha Daniel Adauto and Me from Brasil. I work for GLOBAL MARINE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING COMPANY UNITED KINGDOM www.globalmarine.we.bs, Me is in need of an ESL Teacher who is to take me two children Edison and mark and my Wife lila in English. they can speak english small but not too much, Generally their english is poor this is make me children is not go to school here in England and me wife is Not associate with people too much too.
Me family speak english well if i employ you , it is very important to me is is offer you salary as 25000.00 GBP. on the end of month for one year and you services is good i extend.
if it is you choice to live in the same house with us you let me know but me prefer rent you apartment to live, me will furnish it and it is in my compnay staff quarters where me live too. i put in you room internet connection, cable Tv, and telephone line.
here we have two cars one company car i drive and my leisure car, if you too can drive me is give you my liesure car to use and me use my company car.
iF you is want to come send your resume AND TEACH CERTIFICATE.
Have a nice day
Cheers
Mr. Rocha Daniel Adauto and Family
Blakemore Hotel London
name = Alfred Whitney
replyemail = blakemorehotel16@yahoo.co.uk
location = London
jobheading = hotel work urgently needed
jobdetails = Bartender,Commis,Steward,Host / Hostess,Continental/Intercontinental dishes Cook & Chef,Chef De parties,Executive Sous Chef / Chef De Cuisine,Sous Chef,Banquet Sales Executive / Manager,Resturant Manager,F & B Manager,GM/Director Operations,Legal Housekeeping Executive / Assistant,Cashier,Front Office / Guest Relations Executive / Manager,Travel Desk Manager,Loddy / Duty Manager,Executive / Master Chef,Head / VP / GM-F&B,Head / VP / GM / National Manager - Sales,Head / VP / PR / Corp. Communication,Head / VP / GM-Accounts,Health Clud Assistant / Manager,Auditors,Cashier Managers,Butler,IT/Telecom - Software/Operator/Engineers /Manager,Accountants,Health Workers,Physical Therapist,Mechanical/Electrical/ Electronics Operators/Engineers/Manager,Maintenance/Utility Engineers and Managers,Customer Care Representative and many more career opportunities. nationalities = EU and NON EU
Jobineurope
name = Adam
replyemail = europelondon1@yahoo.co.uk
location = UK
jobheading = Housekeeping
jobdetails = Vacancy: Housekeeping
Five-star-hotel chain, UK
Payment: 13 pounds / hour, 39 hour work week
Bonuses: free accommodation + food during working hours
Paid vacations, medical/dental and retirement insurance
Plane ticket and visa fees covered
GALLERY HOTEL LONDON
name = WILLIAMS ADAM
replyemail = empire.agent@yahoo.com
location = UNITED KINGDOM
jobheading = MANAGER
jobdetails = BELOW IS THE JOB VACANCIES IN GALLERY HOTEL LONDON, READ CAREFUL AND CHOOSE ANY JOB POSITION THAT RELATED TO YOUR EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION AND EMAIL US YOUR CV/RESUME FOR SCREENING BEFOR FURTHER PROCESSMENT.
1: Computer Applicant
2: Software/Hardware Engineers
3: Electrical Engineers
4: Auto Engineers
1: Receptionist
2: Driver
3: Bar Boy/Girl
Cooks
Accountant Manager
Duty Manager
Sales Manager
Front Manager
Food/Beverage Cost Manager
Customer Manager
Financial
Manager
EMAIL US YOUR CV/RESUME IF YOU FIND THE JOB INTRESTING. empire.agent@yahoo.com
+447024078304
MALTH-HOUSE TECH
name = gilbert
replyemail = gilbert@uktrainne.zzn.com
location = UK
jobheading = PROFESSIONALS WANTED IN UK FOR TRAINING
jobdetails = Our company is located at London..we are looking for professionals to start training with us in London..for 4 weeks ..after that the company will employ suitable candidates..we require all necessary field of profession to apply with their CV..not for people living in the uk..applicant must have a valid international pasport..we will make expenses for flight,accomodation,while with us you will be payed training alowances,you will be require to pay for yourwork permit visa/trainning acceptance letter fee if chosen to our secretariat in W.A
Apply with your CV....To
gilbert@uktrainne.zzn.com
Empire Manpower Recruitment Agency
name = Mr Santus Freeman
replyemail = santus_empireagency@yahoo.co.uk
location = London England
jobheading = Job Vacancies In London
jobdetails = Empire Manpower Recruitment Agency is a Registered Recruitment Company in London.
There are Job Vacancies in London
Contact for more Info:
Email: santus_empireagency@yahoo.co.uk
Phone: +447024029214
Best Regards
Mr Santus Freeman
nationalities = CV,INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT
Royalnet Topjob Company London, UK.
name = Mr. Alfred Lampard.
replyemail = royalnet.topjob@royal.net
location = United Kingdom.
jobheading = Job Seeker's and Worker's Urgently Is Needed
jobdetails = Hello Applicant's...
Good day to you all, We bring to your notice today that we are now on hirring of job seeker's and interested worker's who is willing to work at our hotel (RPYAL NET TOP JOB COMPANY LONDON) should kindly apply or send his/her resume/cv.es to enable us hire him/her immediately to work with us..
Note: I WISH TO ACKNOWLEDGE TO YOU THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED YOUR ENTRY/APPLICATION FOR ONE OF THE AVAILABLE JOBS IN OUR HOTEL THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF Of CENTRAL PARK HOTEL London,United Kingdom.
WISH TO INFORM YOU THEREFORE THAT WE HAVE
ACCEPTED TO GIVE YOU AN OPPORTUNITY OF BEING PART OF THE NOBLE MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE HONOURABLY DISCHARGING THEIR DUTIES TO THE STANDARD FOR WHICH THE HOTEL IS KNOWN. . FOR YOUR INFORMATION..
THE HOTEL NOW NEEDS A LIST/GROUP OF 10-20 MEN AND WOMEN TO FILL IN THE VACANCIES
WHO CAN WORK AND LIVE IN LONDON.
THE VACANCIES ON OUR DATA BASE
1. CAR WASH
2. CLEANING/HOUSE KEEPING/STEWARD
3.SALES
4. RECEPTIONIST
5. PUBLIC RELATIONS
6. HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
7. FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGEMENT
8. STORE KEEPER
9. RESTAURANT SERVICES
10. WAITERS/WAITRESSES
11. CULINARY THEORY
12. MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
13. MECHANICS FOR HEAVY EQUIPMENTS
14. AUTO ENGINEERING
15. ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS SPECIALIST
16. IT SPECIALIST
17. TELECOM
18. LANDSCAPE & GRAPHIC DESIGNER
19. COMPUTER OPERATORS
20. DENTIST
21. COMPUTER ENGINEERING
22. DRIVING
23. ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARIES/ASSISTANTS
24.. ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGERS
25. TEAM LEADERS
26. MEDICAL DOCTORS
27. HOTEL NURSE
28. MESSAGE THERAPIST
29. DENTAL TECHNICIAN
30. CAREGIVER
31. HAIRDRESSER/BARBER
32. ACCOUNTANTS
33. ACCOUNTING CLERK
34. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CLERK
35. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE CLERK
36. AUDITOR
37. FINANCE MANAGER
38. CASHIER
39. RESERVATION AGENT
40. SECURITY
41. SAFETY OFFICER
42. SAFETY MANAGER
43. CONCIERGE
44. HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR
46. HUMAN RESOURCES MANGER
48. CHEF DE CUISINE
49. KITCHEN STAFF
50. CHIEF DE PARTIE
51. COOK.
52. GUEST SER. AGENT/FRONT OFFICE DESK CLERK…
53. CUSTOMER SERVICE
54. BELL ATTENDANT
55. TYPIST
THE ABOVE ARE THE ONLY VACANCIES THAT WE REQUIRE INTERESTED APPLICANTS TO OCCUPY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE JOBS,
KINDLY GET BACK TO US BEFORE THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE TAKEN. THE HOTEL WILL
PAY FOR FLIGHT TICKET AND WHILE APPLICANTS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR
IMMIGRATION SERVICE AND CLEARANCE APPROVAL FROM THE LONDON EMPOYMENT.
BENEFITS: COMPETITIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE AVAILABLE SUCH AS GROUP INSURANCE,
VACATION, HOTEL DISCOUNTS, REGULAR PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS, FREE MEDICAL,FEEDING AND ACCOMMODATION.
UPON YOUR RESPONSE, WE WILL SEND YOU AN APPLICANT ASSESSMENT FORM TO BE FILLED AND RETRUNED AFTER WHICH WE WILL SEND YOUR INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS TO THE IMMIGRATION FOR YOUR VISA PROCESSING AND REFER YOU TO CONTACT THE IMMIGRATION FOR FURTHER DETAILS. AS STATED ABOVE,
WE NEED A LIST/GROUP OF 10-80 CAPABLE MEN AND WOMEN TO FILL IN THE VACANCIES, FEEL FREE TO INTRODUCE INTERESTED CANDIDATES THAT ARE FIT AND WILLING TO WORK AS SPECIFIED ABOVE AND LET THEM APPLY IF THEY LIKE ANY OF
THE JOBS. I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST OF LUCK..
NOTE: APPLICANTS WILL UNDERGO COMPULSORY ONE MONTH TRAINING WITH FULL PAY AND THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF SALARY INCREASE UPON CONFIRMATION OF QUALITY OF YOUR SERVICE AFTER FIRST 6 MONTHS OF YOUR EMPLOYMENT.
Any interested applicant's/job seeker's should kindly send his/her resume/cv.es to our able company email address below..
Email: royalnet.topjob@royal.net
Best Regard's.
Mr. Alfred Lampard
Human Manaiging Director
Royal Net Top Job Company Ltd London,UK.
# 49/67 Queensborough Terrace,
London,United Kingdom.
Email: royalnet.topjob@royal.net
nationalities = Yes We will Provde The Visa
MRS SANDRA HOME.
name = MRS SANDRA JONES.
replyemail = MRS_SANDAJONES01@YAHOO.CO.UK
location = LONDON,UNITED KINGDOM.
jobheading = A NANNY/CHILDCARE WORKER/TEACHER,WANTED FOR MY KIDS IN LONDON
jobdetails = I WANT TO EMPLOYER THE URGENT SERVIVES OF A NANNY/CHILDCARE WORKER/TEACHER,FOR MY KIDS AT MY HOUSE IN WOOD LANE,LONDON.I AM OFFERING AS SALARY 600GBP POUNDS STERLING WEEKLY WITH FREE ACCOMODATION INCLUSIVE, FOR THREE YEARS.IF INTERESTED HE/SHE, SHOULD ATTACH THEIR C.V OR RESUME,AND SELF PHOTO,WHEN APPLYING TO ME:MRS_SANDAJONES01@YAHOO.CO.UK.
nationalities = APPLICANTS SHOULD APPLY FROM ANY PART OF THE WORLD
Murphy's Mechanical store
name = Joseph Murphy
replyemail = josephmurphy008@hotmail.com
location = United Kingdom
Nanny caregiver needed urgently
We are the Murphy's family from North london Borough,My Wife work as a Bank Manager,I'm a retired military Personnel but presently running my own company,I work on mechanical production and repairs.We are out going,approachable and need someone to be a big sister to our little darlings.I will be very interested leaving my children to a good Caregiver for infants and am very interested in leaving our children in your care.We have two children the eldest is 5 she has mild Autistic traits but she is a fun loving Energetic child, and loves Arty things.She attends a Mainstream School a mile up the road from where we live.Our son is 4 he is noisy,lively loves playing games and in general is a typical boy!! He attends Nursery every day from 9 - 11:30 which is situated next to the school where we lived.We are urgently seeking for a Caregiver and i will like to put my children in your care.My children are just lovers of computer games,not allergic and free to people espec ially to strangers.I'm willing to pay 450 pounds weekly,I would like to know if you would be care giver of my children,Kindly reply me via my private email below if you are sure to care for them from Monday - Friday.
josephmurphy008@hotmail.com
+447035950546
For more information on working abroad and organising a gap year please visit the Overseas Job Centre
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