Don’t fall prey to fraudulent job advertisements

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A suspicious job recruitment banner promising employment linked to Navi Mumbai International Airport was removed from outside Sion railway station, hours after this paper's reporter visited the spot and began making enquiries into the offer.

The banner, which advertised a monthly salary of Rs 18,300 with Provident Fund benefits and 26 working days, had raised concerns of a potential recruitment scam targeting job seekers hoping to benefit from the airport's expected employment boom.

The police said they are examining the phone numbers listed on the banner, while civic officials had earlier indicated the display appeared unauthorised and could be removed if found illegal.

This is a reminder that in digital-centric times, when one is constantly cautioned against rising cybercrime, fraud happens on the ground, too.

Call telephone numbers mentioned in advertisements to check if they work. If there are red flags or a gut instinct says something is not quite right, do a double-take.

Be wary of individuals asking for payment for interviews. One does not have to pay for a job interview. Ask within your circles if anybody has witnessed this advertisement or if they have sought to apply and their experience.

If somebody picks up the phone number, quiz them on the kind of job, address, etc. They should have satisfactory, clear answers. Waffling on and empty words can be caught out. It is always worth your while to visit the official website of the employer and see if there are any job openings advertised.

Thorough background checks are absolutely necessary.