Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
Job hunting can be grueling.
Endlessly scrolling job boards. Sending another resume seemingly into the void. So when a text message from a recruiter arrives directly to your phone promising flexibility, great benefits, and a big paycheck, you might think it’s a gift from the universe.
More likely, it’s a scammer targeting you for money, personal information, or free labor.
Job scammers made off with about $220 million in the first half of 2024, alone, according to the latest data available from the Federal Trade Commission. In a blog post, the agency also noted that most people don’t report fraud, so this is likely a sliver of reality.
Also: I’m a tech professional, and an AI job scam almost fooled me – here’s how I caught on
“I think we’re seeing a high number of job scams right now because…
PROCUREMENT & EXPENDITURE (STOPPING KICKBACKS)
Procurement fraud usually involves inflated invoices or “fictitious” vendors.
- The Three-Way Match: Never pay an invoice unless you have matched the Purchase Order (PO), the Delivery Note (signed), and the Supplier Invoice.
- Vendor Master File Review: Review your vendor list annually. Look for suppliers with the same bank details or physical addresses as your employees.
- Dual Authorization: Implement a “Two-to-Sign” rule for all EFT payments above a certain threshold (e.g., R5,000).
- No “Cashing” of Checks: If you still use physical checks, strictly prohibit “Cash” as a payee and store blank checks in a dual-lock safe.