Checklist for Job Search: How to Avoid Scams in India

Use this actionable checklist when searching for jobs to protect yourself from fraud and dishonest recruiters:

• Verify Company Legitimacy
  • Research the company’s official website and physical address.
  • Look for authentic reviews on third-party portals (Glassdoor, AmbitionBox, LinkedIn).
  • Search for news mentions or public records about the company.
    
• Evaluate the Job Posting
  • Ensure job offers are posted on reputable job boards (Naukri, LinkedIn, Indeed).
  • Be cautious with postings on generic social networks, messaging apps, or unverified channels.
  • Check for inconsistent branding, grammar mistakes, and vague details in the job description.
    
• Beware of Red Flags
  • Offers that sound “too good to be true” (very high salary for little experience or remote work options with no interview).
  • Requests for upfront payment for training, software, or application fees.
  • Pressure to make quick decisions or accept offers without an interview.
    
• Validate Recruiter Identity
  • Confirm recruiter profiles on LinkedIn or via company email (not personal email addresses).
  • Ask for professional contact details and verify their role within the company.
    
• Never Share Sensitive Information Early
  • Do not send personal documents (Aadhaar, PAN, bank details, educational certificates) before a written job offer.
  • Avoid sharing passwords, OTPs, or signing agreements before official verification.
    
• Insist on a Written Offer Letter
  • Accept jobs only after receiving a formal offer letter on company letterhead or via an official HR domain.
    
• Ask for Interview Details
  • Genuine employers conduct structured interviews and assessments.
  • Be skeptical of jobs that “guarantee” placement with minimal screening.
    
• Do Your Own Background Checks
  • Search for candidate experiences (Quora, Reddit, professional forums).
  • Look for recent scam warnings or alerts shared by industry experts.
    
• Consult Trusted Advisors
  • Discuss with mentors, experienced professionals, or family members about any doubts.
    
• Report Suspicious Activity
  • Use portals like Cyber Crime (cybercrime.gov.in) or report scams to job platforms and local authorities.
    
    Additionally, at the last moment, HR will inform you that this is a contract-based position. This is a red flag.
    
    Any commitment regarding work-from-home arrangements, location, or similar matters provided by HR or a recruiter must be communicated in a formal manner, such as through an email sent from their official company email address.

Following this checklist will help you sidestep fake job offers and find legitimate opportunities while searching for jobs in India.