The new trap of scammers: job search websites.

Those who apply for jobs through the internet or career applications are facing the risk of fraud. Scammers using fake profiles and virtual numbers request personal information and money, claiming it will be used for job applications. Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Kırık, Head of the Department of Visual Communication Design at Marmara University, stated, "Not every job listing site is innocent. Because they can create copies of known sites, and in addition, on newly emerging websites, users can create different profiles and can also victimize users through these. They offer job listings that range from cleaners to service staff, maintenance jobs, drivers, waiters, and, to be honest, jobs that do not require much knowledge or serious training. Of course, they also use fake and magical words like high salary and generous pay to lure people into traps. Later, they post ads on known sites," he said.

"YOU ARE SUDDENLY DIRECTED TO A MESSAGING APPLICATION"

Kırık emphasized that scammers use virtual numbers, stating, "People encounter these job listings, they want to apply for them, and in the later process, you are directed to an instant messaging application via private messages, where virtual numbers are used; that is, applications sold for a fee on the internet. Generally, these are abroad. They also create a cover story, saying that the company is located abroad and therefore the selections are made abroad, but it is stated that you will work in Turkey. Therefore, users do not become suspicious due to the +44 or +22 numbers. The real issue arises after this. Because the person on the other side talks to you, enters a persuasion process; then the real events start to unfold," he explained.

"THEY REQUEST A SMALL AMOUNT TO COMPLETE YOUR JOB APPLICATION"

Kırık noted that the personal information of job applicants can fall into the hands of scammers, saying, "Because they tell you; 'We are a company operating in the health sector, we are a hospital, we are an educational institution. Therefore, our employers are very sensitive about hiring. Thus, we need to conduct a preliminary investigation, yes, we offer high salaries, but we only employ trusted individuals in the employment area.' After the incident, certain requests are already made from these individuals. That is, identity photocopies and personal information are requested from those who want to apply for jobs, and all of these are sent through well-known instant messaging applications, and we must emphasize that WhatsApp is generally used here. They ask for the front and back of your ID. These personal information are our private personal data. They request residence documents. In other words, you end up sending all your population information, from your family tree to your ID information, to the other party. What does this mean? It puts you in a serious threat. Because all your personal information ends up in the hands of scammers. In fact, later they request a small amount to complete your job application," he stated.

"THEY CARRY OUT FRAUD THROUGH RENTED BANK ACCOUNTS"

Prof. Dr. Kırık pointed out that scammers use rented IBANs, stating, "When you realize you have been victimized and file a complaint with the prosecutor's office, these fraud activities are generally carried out through rented IBANs, which are opened in the name of other people or through seized bank accounts. When you file a complaint with the prosecutor's office, you find out that it is actually a student account. Because why, scammers use virtual numbers to cover their tracks, and they also use rented IBANs to prevent any tracking through banks. In other words, you end up being involved in serious fraud under the guise of a job offer, without questioning it. Later, when you try to contact these individuals, the numbers have already been changed. The existing ads are automatically closed. In fact, these individuals do not provide their identity information when opening profiles. On the contrary, they use temporary emails. When using a temporary email, as you know, you cannot access the other party's information. They also receive a verification code with virtual numbers," he explained.

"I SENT MY ID INFORMATION IN A MOMENT OF DISTRACTION"

Berkay Emir Ünal, who previously shared his identity information on a career site in a moment of distraction, said, "I applied for a job before. They asked for the front and back photo of my ID; I don't know if there is anything now. I received many warnings, but at that moment I sent it in a moment of distraction. I had done it before; I probably wouldn't do it now, I don't want anything bad to happen to me. From now on, I would prefer face-to-face meetings rather than online. Because the safest way is to meet face-to-face. You need to know who the other person is, you need to recognize them, so face-to-face meetings are better," he said.

"I DEFINITELY WON'T SHARE MY INFORMATION"

Sümeyye Saygı expressed that she would not share her personal information, saying, "No, I definitely won't share. Why should I trust them? They can be used for different purposes, they can access my e-government account, they can open an account in my name, anything can happen. I definitely won't share," she said. Canan Akgüneş stated, "I applied, but I haven't encountered anything like this. If I do, I definitely won't share my information," she said.