In the world of yacht crew recruitment, finding your next job opportunity can be a very exciting experience. But, as with any job hunting, you need to be on the lookout for misleading job posts and outright scams, particularly on social media platforms. To help you recognise potential we have put together this short guide on how to spot phony job postings.

Recognising the Red Flags

There are several ways of checking if a social media account posting a job might be fake. Here's what to watch out for:

• A recently set up account: Scammers often set up new accounts to lure candidates looking for work. If the account has been recently created with minimal posts or activity, this could be a warning sign.

• No friends or photos: If a yacht job has been posted from an account with very few friends or followers, this should also raise your suspicions.

• Profile Photos: Take a good look at the person's profile photo, especially if you're communicating through platforms like WhatsApp. Scammers often use stolen photos of attractive models in an attempt to appear legitimate. If the profile picture looks like it's straight out of a fashion magazine, or if it looks suspicious, you should proceed with caution.

• Inappropriate requests: Be on the lookout for any unusual requests. No legitimate job opportunity would require inappropriate photos or personal information without due process. If someone asks for a bikini shot or personal details such as your bank account or passport information, without providing a contract first, it's likely a scam.

• Salary doesn't match the job: If a job offer seems too good to be true, it often is. Beware of posts promising unusually high salaries for minimal or unspecified work.

• Unprofessional communication: Scammers often create a sense of urgency pressuring you to accept the position quickly. They can also communicate in an unprofessional manner. Real recruiters are your trusted partners and understand that candidates need time to consider the offer.

• Requests for money: Genuine job offers won't ask you to pay for your flights or any other expenses. If you encounter this, steer clear or get in touch with a recruiter you trust as they might be able to check the legitimacy of the job posted for you.

• No legitimate associations: Many scams use the disguise of 'personal assistants' or 'yacht management companies'. Check the person's name on LinkedIn or verify if the mentioned company is real by Googling it.

• No MLC registration: If the person claims to be an agent, ensure their company is registered under the 2006 Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).

Most of all, trust your gut; if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Take time to do your research or consult with a trusted recruitment agent before proceeding. Your safety and security are the most important!