How to Avoid Oil and Gas Job Scams
Overseas oil and gas jobs increase daily and continue to spark the interests of the thousands of job seekers currently looking for employment. When there is so much interest in a new line of work, job scams are undoubtedly soon to follow. Some general information to keep in mind when you encounter a possible job scam is to remember that legitimate employers do not usually need your bank account numbers, ask you to sign contracts before you get all of the facts, and they certainly do not need money up front to get you started.
Most of you already know what a job scam is, but for those who don't, here is an explanation. A job scam is a form of fraud where certain persons or scammers pose as recruiters or as employers in the oil and gas industry to offer really attractive employment opportunities. Subsequently you, the jobseeker, is required to pay them money in advance, usually under the guise of work visas, air travel expenses, and out-of-pocket expenses. Usually, this particular type of job scam form is called Advance Fee Fraud or 419 Fraud.
According to the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission, you can protect yourself against overseas employment scams by using common sense, and by following a few basic rules.
1. You should ask for references.
2. Check them out in the state the recruiters list as an address.
3. Get everything in writing.
4. Forget about companies or oil and gas job recruiters with no legitimate street address.
5. Be very skeptical of overseas oil and gas employment opportunities that sound "too good to be true."
6. Never send cash in the mail, and be extremely cautious with firms that require a money order. This could indicate that the firm is attempting to avoid a traceable record of its transactions.
7. Do not be fooled by official-sounding names. Many scam artists operate under names that sound like those of long-standing, reputable firms.
8. Avoid working with firms that require payment in advance.
9. Do not give your credit card or bank account number to telephone solicitors.
10. Read the contract very carefully. Have an attorney look over any documents you are asked to sign.
11. Beware of an agency or recruiter that is unwilling to give you a written contract.
12. Do not hesitate to ask questions. You have a right to know what services to expect and the costs involved.
13. Do not make a hasty decision. Instead, take time to weigh all the pros and cons of the situation. Be wary of demands that "you must act now."
14. Keep a copy of all agreements you sign, as well as copies of checks you forward to the company.
15. Watch for overly descriptive "fraud" giveaways in job listings. The list includes "package-forwarding, " "money transfers, " "wiring funds, " "eBay, " and "PayPal." World Privacy Forum researchers also found that the terms "Foreign Agent Agreement" often appears in contracts and emails sent to job seekers.
Frank Cullen is MD of Oil and gas vacancies. The company is a leading Job Board providing job availability for
oil jobs,
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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com
