Kamalesh ArumugamThe job market can be tricky for freshers, and unfortunately, some companies or individuals take advantage of their lack of experience. Here are some of the most common scams targeted at freshers:
1. Fake Job Offers
How it works:
Scammers often post fraudulent job advertisements or pose as representatives of well-known companies, promising high-paying roles. They typically demand upfront payments for “application processing” or “training fees.”
Red Flag:
If a job requires payment for anything (processing, training, or materials), it’s likely a scam.
2. Unpaid “Training Period”
How it works:
Companies promise permanent positions after an unpaid training period but never hire the candidates. They exploit freshers for free labor and replace them regularly.
Red Flag:
Training periods with no clear structure, timeline, or guaranteed job placement are suspicious.
3. Bonded Jobs with Heavy Penalties
How it works:
Companies make freshers sign contracts that impose heavy penalties for leaving before a certain period. Some even exploit this by not paying salaries on time.
Red Flag:
Bonds with unreasonable terms or penalties indicate potential exploitation.
4. Fake Overseas Job Offers
How it works:
Scammers offer freshers lucrative international jobs but demand hefty “visa processing” or “travel arrangement” fees.
Red Flag:
If the offer seems too good to be true or requires upfront payments, it’s a scam.
5. Data Entry Scams
How it works:
Freshers are promised high pay for simple data entry jobs but are asked for registration fees. Often, the jobs don’t exist, or the work submitted isn’t paid for.
Red Flag:
Genuine companies do not ask for upfront payments.
6. Misleading Job role
Some companies lure freshers with attractive job titles but assign unrelated or lower-level roles after hiring.
How it works:
Promising roles like developer or analyst but assigning sales or support tasks. Claiming the advertised role is unavailable after onboarding. Assigning roles unrelated to your qualifications or goals.
Red Flag:
Vague job descriptions with no clear responsibilities. Promises of future role changes after probation. High employee turnover and no written role confirmation.
7. Overpromise and Underpay
How it works:
Some companies lure freshers with promises of attractive salaries and growth opportunities but drastically underpay and overwork them.
Red Flag:
If salary negotiations are vague or job roles are unclear, proceed with caution.
8. Fake Internships
How it works:
Some companies offer unpaid internships with promises of a certificate or job. In reality, they provide no meaningful work experience or future opportunities.
Red Flag:
An internship without proper guidance or outcomes is a waste of time.
9. Fake Freelance Platforms
How it works:
Websites or individuals charge registration fees for freelance gigs but offer no real opportunities.
Red Flag:
Genuine freelance platforms do not require upfront payments.
10. Call Center and BPO Misrepresentation
How it works:
Freshers are promised technical or professional roles but are placed in unrelated call center jobs with no career growth.
Red Flag:
Misrepresentation of job roles during interviews is a sign of untrustworthy practices.
Freshers must stay vigilant, ask questions, and confirm roles during the hiring process. Clarity upfront saves time, effort, and potential disappointment.
Kamalesh Arumugam
