Avoid Common Canadian Job Scams!

PATH TO CAREER SUCCESS
Avoid Common Canadian Job Scams

A job search is already a vulnerable process, especially if you’re a newcomer to Canada and unfamiliar with the local job market. You have to manage the anxiety of uncertainty, financial stress, and the absence of your professional network back home. All of this can make you a target for job scams, which is why we’ve compiled a quick guide to common employment scams, red flags to look out for, and tips to verify that job offers are legitimate.

⚠️ Common Employment Scams
It’s important to be familiar with some of the more common employment scams.

• Counterfeit cheque scam:  In this scheme, scammers pose as employers or recruiters and send counterfeit cheques to those who have applied for remote work or freelance positions -- usually to purchase items such as office equipment. The cheque appears legitimate and is often accompanied by instructions to deposit it into the recipient's bank account. Once the funds are deposited, the scammer typically requests that a portion of the money be sent back. However, the cheque is eventually discovered to be fake.

• Financial agent scam: Another employment scam in Canada is the financial agent scam, which often targets individuals seeking opportunities in the financial sector. In this scheme, job seekers are recruited as financial agents with promises of high commissions. However, their role primarily involves facilitating fraudulent financial transactions, such as money laundering or processing illegal transactions on behalf of the scammer. 

🚩 Red Flags
Scammers are always adapting, so it’s important to ensure that you are also aware of the major red flags.

• Beware of unsolicited messages offering lucrative job opportunities.

• Watch out for poorly written or unprofessional emails.

• If an offer seems too good to be true it likely is.

💡 Final Tips
Here are some final tips to avoid scams, and what to do if you think you have been scammed.

• Verify legitimacy by thoroughly checking the company's website. 

• Use multiple sources of information. Explore online platforms such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and industry-specific forums to gather insights from employee reviews, company ratings, and community discussions. 

• Trust your instincts. If something feels off or raises suspicion, take the time to investigate further before proceeding.

CAREER COACH Q & A
Navigating New Horizons with Expert Guidance from a Seasoned Career Coach

Q: What legal protections exist for individuals who have been victims of job scams in Canada?

A: In Canada, if you've been tricked by a job scam, there are some legal ways to get help. You can report the scam to places like the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or the police. You might also be able to sue the people who scammed you for the money you lost. Laws about fair work can also protect you. They make sure you're treated right at work and paid fairly. If you're not sure what to do, you can talk to a lawyer or someone at the government who knows about these things. They can help you figure out what steps to take next.

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LEARN THE LINGO
✅ 5 Power Phrases for Decision-Making

Looking to be more assertive in decision-making conversations? Here are 6 common phrases you may hear and how to use them.

1️⃣ Listening Stage

Fill me in - This phrase is used to request more information or details, indicating an active listening stance where the individual is seeking to gather all relevant information before making a decision.

✅"Could you fill me in on the details of the proposal? I want to make sure I have all the information before we proceed."

2️⃣ Persuading Stage

 I get it - This expression indicates understanding, which can be a persuasive tactic to show empathy or alignment with others' viewpoints, thus facilitating agreement or cooperation in the decision-making process.

✅ "I understand your concerns about the budget constraints. Trust me, I get it. But if we implement these cost-saving measures now, we'll see significant benefits in the long run."

Mark my words - This phrase is used to emphasize the certainty of a statement or prediction, potentially serving as a persuasive tool to convince others of the validity or importance of a particular decision or course of action.

✅ Mark my words, if we don't address the quality issues now, it will come back to haunt us later. We need to take action immediately to prevent any further complications.

3️⃣ Decision-Making Stage

 On the same page - This phrase signifies agreement or alignment of understanding, typically used once a decision has been made or to ensure consensus among individuals involved in the decision-making process.

✅ “Before we move forward with the project, let's make sure we're all on the same page regarding the timeline and objectives.”

I've made up my mind - This declaration indicates that the decision-maker has reached a conclusion after careful consideration, marking the finalization of the decision-making process.

✅"After carefully considering all the options, I've made up my mind. We're going to proceed with Plan A for the marketing campaign."

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