How to check whether a job offer is genuine

Short answer: verify the company, the person and the channel before you share documents or money. Check that the company exists, that the recruiter's email and phone match the company's official website, and that you went through a real selection process. Never share OTPs, passwords or UPI PINs with anyone.

1. Check that the company exists

Search for the company's official website and compare its name, address and contact details with what the recruiter gave you. For companies registered in India, you can look up basic company details on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) website. A company name that is spelled slightly differently from a well-known brand is a warning sign.

2. Check the person and the channel

• Is the email from the company's own domain, or from a free personal email address?
• Is the phone number listed on the company's official website?
• If you were contacted on a messaging app, can you confirm the person works there by calling the company's official number?

3. Look at the selection process

Genuine hiring usually involves a conversation about your experience and an interview with the employer. An offer made instantly, with no interview, or after a short chat on a messaging app should make you cautious.

4. Be careful with payment requests

Be wary of any request to pay for registration, training, equipment, uniforms, background checks or a “guaranteed” job. Ask for the request in writing from an official company email, and check the company's published fee policy. If the company does not publish one, ask them directly before paying anything.

5. Protect your personal and banking details

No genuine employer needs your OTP, banking password, card PIN or UPI PIN. Share identity documents only after you have verified the employer, and only through official channels.

What to do if you suspect fraud

1. Stop responding and do not make further payments.
2. If you have lost money, contact your bank straight away.
3. Report the incident on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or call the cyber crime helpline 1930.
4. Tell the real company whose name was misused, so they can warn other candidates.

Checking an offer that uses the Trending Jobs name

Compare it with the official details on our Candidate safety page, or contact us directly through our Contact page.