In the UAE, there has been a concerning increase in fake job advertisements on websites and social media platforms, falsely promoting employment opportunities in schools and universities.
These deceptive ads are not endorsed by the educational institutions they claim to represent. Instead, they are created to either extract personal data from applicants or to solicit money under the guise of processing job applications. This fraudulent activity aims to either steal personal information, such as banking details, or drive traffic to these fake websites.
As the academic year draws to a close, these fraudulent sites exploit the timing to advertise fake job openings for the upcoming school year, targeting various specializations with promises of high salaries, sometimes up to 20,000 dirhams. They misuse the names and logos of reputable schools to gain credibility, sending suspicious messages that request financial fees for document verification or direct applicants to malicious links to provide further information.
In response, many schools and universities have posted warnings on their official websites. They advise against trusting any external websites, social media pages, or emails that claim to represent them. These institutions emphasize that their official websites are the only legitimate sources for job postings and that direct communication with these sites ensures the security and confidentiality of personal information.
Identifying Fake Job Advertisements
Recruitment experts and human resource professionals have outlined eight key indicators of fraudulent job ads. These include:
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The advertiser's identity is concealed.
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Job eligibility criteria are overly inclusive.
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Exaggerated job benefits and incentives are offered.
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Applicants are asked to send their resumes to personal email addresses.
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No specific application deadline is provided.
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A small fee is requested for administrative purposes.
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No personal interviews are conducted; only phone calls are made.
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Requests for credit card or bank account information are made.
These signs help job seekers discern genuine opportunities from scams designed either to steal money or personal data.
Experts categorize fake job advertisements into two main types. The first type aims to defraud job seekers directly by collecting money or personal account details. The second type seeks to increase website traffic to generate ad revenue or collect personal information for databases that can be sold to advertisers.
The serious repercussions of engaging with electronic fraud schemes have been highlighted by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department in a number of warnings regarding such schemes. Financial losses and data theft are commonplace for victims. The Department suggests that people should avoid responding to unsolicited messages and instead check the credibility of advertisements and websites before interacting. IT professionals emphasize that individual awareness is crucial to combating fraud. It is advised to avoid replying to unsolicited advertisements or communications, confirm the origin of any unsolicited correspondence, and guarantee the protection of banking and personal data. Additionally, they alert users to the fact that numerous phony websites and pages are run by global con networks.
Example of Institutional Response
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi has also cautioned against fake job offers being circulated under its name. The university asserts that it follows strict human resource policies and does not issue job offers from personal email addresses or request any form of payment from job applicants. All legitimate communications and job offers come directly from the university’s official channels and involve personal interviews with candidates.
The proliferation of fake job advertisements targeting the UAE's educational sector is a growing concern. Job seekers must stay informed and cautious, relying only on verified sources for job opportunities to protect their personal and financial information. Institutions and experts continue to educate the public on identifying and avoiding such scams, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity and personal vigilance.
