Job advertisements and vacancies are frequently encountered on social networks and various virtual platforms. Citizens who see these advertisements, especially those shared with promises like “no experience required,” “high salary,” and “work from home opportunity,” and apply with the hope of finding a job, also report facing a number of problems. Sometimes money is demanded under the name of “registration” or “training,” and it is said that some people work without an employment contract. There are also those who say that they worked for a long time as “trainees” without receiving a salary and in the end were not accepted for any job.
What types of fake job advertisements have been most commonly encountered recently? How can fake vacancies be distinguished at first glance? Is it legal to demand a “payment for employment”? Why are youth and students more often targeted by such advertisements? What risks does working without an employment contract entail for the employee? Is it considered a violation of the law to have someone work for a long period without pay under the title of “trainee”?
Sahib Məmmədov, chairman of the Citizens’ Labor Rights Protection League, Medainaews.az, responding to questions, stated that such fake job advertisements are not new and have existed for a long time: “It is just that the development of internet communication technologies, the emergence of artificial intelligence, and other digital tools have resulted in the further expansion of such fraud cases.”
Emphasizing that some people fall into the trap of fraudsters, are deceived, and face financial damage, S. Məmmədov noted that one of the most dangerous aspects here is the fake advertisements posted under the name of jobs abroad: “Such advertisements do not require language skills or any specialty, but instead promise a high salary. The danger is that those spreading such advertisements as fraudsters can turn some people into victims of human trafficking or forced labor.”
S. Məmmədov states that people should check repeatedly whether the advertisements are true or not: “Numerous warnings have been issued about this, but still people are deceived. Sometimes the fraudsters posting advertisements demand relatively small payments. Later, they disappear. Since the amount is small, many victims are not inclined to complain. The fraudsters count on exactly this for their profit.”
Everyone should know that legitimate intermediaries charge payment from the employer, not from the job seeker. According to Azerbaijani legislation, only legal entities may engage in mediation activities in the field of employment. Therefore, it is not appropriate to cooperate with entities that do not have an official website, a known activity, or professional competence. Unfortunately, despite this, there are still people who get deceived.”
Economist Bella Bəşirova Medainaews.az said that currently fake vacancies are mostly spread under the titles of “work from home,” “high salary without experience,” online sales, operator, and social media job offers.
According to B. Bəşirova, most of these advertisements are aimed at deceiving citizens: “If official information about the company, address, contact numbers, and conditions related to the employment contract are not shown, this is already a serious risk indicator. At the same time, requiring payment in advance and offering unrealistically high salaries that do not correspond to the real market conditions should also raise suspicion. According to the legislation, it is not proper to demand money from a citizen at the time of employment under the names of registration, training, or others.”
Youth and students are more sensitive to such advertisements because they want to find work and earn income faster. Their lack of experience and insufficient knowledge about the labor market increase the likelihood of them being deceived.
When working without an employment contract, it becomes difficult to protect the employee’s labor rights, social insurance is not calculated, and legal protection weakens in cases of possible problems related to salary. Having a person work without pay for a long time under the title “trainee” can be considered a violation of labor rights. Because if the person continuously performs work and an actual labor relationship is established, then an employment contract must be signed, and salary must be paid.”
Nailə Qasımova,
Medainaews.az