For many, looking for a job online is a breeze. Jobseekers can search for available jobs via internet and then send application via email. It is also possible for one to receive a job offer via email. However, jobseekers are reminded that most of the time, email job offers are fake or a scam.

One example of a bogus email is the one that sends job offers to applicants using the email address info@workabroad.com. From the subject line of the email, the sender pretends to be an agency from Europe and it is able to attract applicants by details of a fake job opportunity in a European country such as Ireland. The message also requires the applicant to submit a set of personal requirementswhich can be obtained only upon paying EUR32 or Php1920.

The email address used is very similar to the website address of a legitimate overseas job portal- WorkAbroad.ph that a number of applicants assumed that the email comes from WorkAbroad.ph. In fact some  WorkAbroad members who have received this kind of email sent the website an inquiry regarding the job offer.

In connection with this, the website issued an announcement that the email from info@WORKABROAD.com with a subject line Your European Placement Team IS NOT from www.WorkAbroad.ph. WorkAbroad.ph is different from WorkAbroad.com and it is not in any way connected to this website. WorkAbroad.ph is using email@workabroad.ph in corresponding to its applicants.

WorkAbroad is a legitimate overseas job portal that lists only the job openings from POEA-licensed recruitment agencies. Furthermore they do not collect any fee from applicants. They highly encourage theiur members to report to them any agency or organization that collect money from applicants on their behalf.

WorkAbroad.ph also advised applicants to be cautious when dealing with companies vie email. The following are a few reminders to bear in mind:

Don’t readily give cash: Legitimate companies, whether foreign or local recruitment agencies do not ask for payments prior to processing applications so remember not to give money right away. If a company requires you to send money to secure your application, it is most probably a scam. Some scammers will even offer a money-back guarantee but will disappear once payment is made.

Be suspicious of unsolicited e-mails. If you get a job offer through e-mail, ask yourself these questions before responding. Is the company/recruitment agency legitimate? Have you sent an application to this company/recruitment agency?

Do your research. Check if you are dealing with a licensed recruitment agency and if it has a good standing with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). If you got hired directly by an overseas company, check with the Embassy of that country if the company offering employment does exist.

Be well informed. For any job offers, do not forget to ask for references. Request the name of the employer, the name of the company as well as their contact information like address and telephone numbers. Avoid agencies that operate only through telephone or mail. A legitimate placement agency will require personal appearance before it can market you to an employer.

Check the websites. Send in job application only to websites containing the following information: The real name of the persons involved, (not just a company or business name), a telephone number, and a street address (not just a P.O. Box).

Keep some personal and financial information confidential. Give only details that are necessary for employers to evaluate your competence for the job. Financial information like Credit Card or Bank Account Numbers are not necessary and may even used to steal your identity.