DICAT Warns of Fake Part-Time Job Offer Scams in UAE

The Dubai International Communication and Technology (DICAT) has issued a warning to job seekers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) about a surge in fake part-time job offer scams. These scams involve fraudsters inviting individuals for interviews and offering them non-existent jobs in exchange for money.

Why this matters: Job scams can have severe financial and emotional consequences for individuals, and a rise in such scams can undermine trust in the job market and economy as a whole. If left unchecked, these scams can lead to a loss of productivity, financial instability, and even mental health issues for victims.

DICAT has compiled a list of identified scam offices across Dubai, Sharjah, and other regions in the UAE. Job seekers are advised to avoid attending interviews at these locations to prevent wasting their time and money. For a comprehensive list of scam job offices, visit this website.

The modus operandi of these scammers typically involves informing job seekers that they have been hired and requesting a fee, often around 200 AED, to process their paperwork. Once the money is paid, the job seeker neither receives the job nor gets their money back. Learn more about common job scams to avoid.

To help job seekers identify these scams, DICAT has highlighted several red flags. Job seekers should verify the office address and location before attending any interview. This can be done by searching the office location online or using the search feature on the website. Read an article on how to spot fake job scams.

Some examples of fake job offers include EEST Group of Company inviting applicants for an Office Assistant role at City Bay Centre Building, Dubai; Oxfoord Management Company for an Office Assistant role at HAYA BUSINESS HUB, Dubai; SKYWAY GROUP for a Customer Service Assistance role at Nasco Building, Dubai; and OXD CROOPS LLC for a Junior Public Relationship Officer role at Al Habtoor Building, Dubai.

DICAT urges job seekers to be cautious and not fall victim to these scams. They are encouraged to report any other scam job offices in Dubai by adding a comment at the end of the DICAT warning post, helping others avoid these fraudulent schemes. Learn how to spot fake job scams and stay safe.

In addition to DICAT's warnings, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has highlighted the growing problem of job scams globally, with approximately 14 million people exposed to employment scams annually. Scammers are using popular job search platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster to post fake job listings. Stay informed about the latest job scams and protect yourself.

Common scams include work-from-home jobs to receive and reship items, where victims are not paid for their work, and fake checks, secret shopper, and caregiver scams. Red flags for these scams include being asked to pay a fee or purchase equipment before starting a job, being required to provide bank account information, job postings not listed on the company's website, vague job descriptions, and unusually high pay for the work involved. Learn more about common job scams and how to avoid them.

To protect themselves, job seekers should conduct a Google search on the company to verify its legitimacy, ensure the recruiter's website matches the real company website, consider setting up a second bank account to protect personal financial information, and insist on in-person or video chat interviews with recruiters and future teammates. Read an article on how to stay safe from job scams.

If someone falls victim to a job scam, they should report it to the Better Business Bureau at BBB.org/scamtracker. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and university officials have warned college students and graduates about a surge in fake part-time job offer scams.

These scams often involve fake job postings, fake checks, and impersonation of professors or university staff. As Kati Daffan from the FTC's marketing practices division noted, "What we've seen recently is that scammers are using tactics to make their fake jobs look even more realistic."

Job seekers are urged to remain vigilant and verify any job offers they receive. Reporting scams and sharing information can help others avoid falling prey to these fraudulent schemes. Learn how to spot fake job scams and stay safe.

Key Takeaways

• DICAT warns of surge in fake part-time job scams in UAE, targeting job seekers with non-existent jobs.
• Scammers ask for money, often 200 AED, to process paperwork, then disappear.
• Red flags: unverified office addresses, vague job descriptions, and unusually high pay.
• To avoid scams, verify company legitimacy, office addresses, and job postings.
• Report scams to BBB.org/scamtracker and stay informed about latest job scams.