Studies conducted in 2021 show that a cyber attack occurs every 39 seconds. This includes phishing attempts, ransomware attacks, blatant fraud, and other unscrupulous activities. Unfortunately, these crimes and scams continue to rise as technology further integrates into society. One practice that has grown particularly abundant in recent years is online employment scams. These scams riddle job boards, e-mails, and social media accounts across all industries; however, they are especially prominent when it comes to online translation jobs.
Learn how to protect yourself against online employment scams:
Table of Contents
1. Research Online Translation Jobs and Companies Carefully
One of the most prevalent scams across the board in today’s digital world is fake employment offers. In these situations, scammers post job listings containing great opportunities with reputable organizations. They often advertise a higher-than-average salary or other enticing benefits. While the most popular job boards work diligently to prevent these fraudulent listings, many go undetected. Upon applying for these positions, the scammer will have access to all of the information included within the resumes they receive. They may alter it slightly to pass it off as their own resume, sell the information, or use it for other ill-willed purposes.
To verify the legitimacy of online translation jobs or employment offers, consider the following:
- Apply for employment directly on a company’s website whenever possible.
- Make note of the e-mail address if contacted through e-mail. Most legitimate organizations use company-specific addresses, while scammers prefer free services like Google or Yahoo because of their ability to create many accounts.
- Look up the company’s contact information online and give them a call/e-mail to verify.
- Browse their website for specific hiring process information. Exercise caution if the company has these listed and they do not align.
2. Beware of Phishing Attacks
Scammers often pose as recruiters in the language translation services industry and send e-mails or social media messages that contain unsafe links. The e-mail may state that the link leads to online translation jobs directly, an application, a listing, or a portal. In many cases, the URL used appears to be similar to a reputable website although it may be slightly misspelled or altered. Once the link is clicked, users are prompted to enter their login information. Their passwords, usernames, and other sensitive data are then collected for fraudulent purposes. In many cases, these activities go undetected until problems with identity theft or fraud occur. To protect yourself from phishing attempts when looking for translator jobs, take the following measures:
- Install a firewall or virus detection software on your computer
- Never click links sent from unfamiliar people
- Be wary if you receive an e-mail from a trusted source that includes a suspicious link. Scammers can “spoof” trusted e-mail addresses to make them look like they come from friends, families, relatives, or reputable organizations.
3. Complete “Test” Assignments with Caution
Another scam associated with translator jobs (and similar roles) involves scammers asking translators to complete a test assignment for free. While this can be a legitimate part of an interview or hiring process for some companies, these assignments are typically general and take a short time to complete. If you are asked to complete highly detailed or time-consuming tasks as part of the hiring process, be sure to question how the assignment is used and if you will retain the rights to your work.
4. Never Pay for Certifications, Background Checks or Training
Legitimate employers will never require potential employees to pay for certifications, background checks, or training related to the position. If you are in the midst of applying for a new job and are asked to pay for any of these things, it is likely that a scammer is targeting you. In these schemes, individuals target financial information or direct funds. They may request that you send money, provide bank information, or enter your credit card number in an unsecured manner. These funds are often difficult to recover and can put your entire account at risk once jeopardized.
5. Trust Your Instincts
In the event that something feels “off” when applying for online translation jobs, trust your instincts. Whether the offer seems too good to be true, the person you are interacting with seems suspicious or the processes don’t align with your past experiences, always err on the side of caution. While there are many online translation jobs available with legitimate translation service companies, keep in mind that the great ones will only hire professional translators with experience, certifications, and a thorough hiring process to ensure optimal quality for their clients.
For instance, many of our certified professional translators at ASTA-USA Translation Services are accredited by respected organizations like The United Nations, The Institute of Linguists, and the American Translators Association, among many others. Learn more about becoming a UN-certified translator along with the requirements most language translation services seek when hiring.