With the rise of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, it's easier than ever to connect with others and find opportunities – including part time jobs. However, as a recent article from The Sun (Woman claims losing RM53,875 to online job scams)  , there are also serious risks involved in seeking work through social media.

The article describes the case of a woman who was scammed out of thousands of ringgit after responding to a job advertisement on Facebook. The ad promised a high-paying job with flexible hours, but after the woman paid a registration fee and attended an "orientation session," she never heard from the company again.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Scammers often use social media to prey on vulnerable individuals who are in need of work or extra income. They may offer fake job opportunities, ask for upfront payments or personal information, or use other tactics to defraud their victims.

As someone who has used social media to find work in the past, this news is particularly concerning to me. While social media can be a convenient way to find job listings and connect with potential employers, it's important to be vigilant and cautious when doing so.

One of the main dangers of seeking work through social media is the lack of regulation and oversight. Anyone can create a job listing or post an advertisement, regardless of their credentials or intentions. This makes it easy for scammers to create fake job listings and prey on unsuspecting individuals.

Another danger is the lack of accountability. Unlike with traditional job applications, there is often no formal hiring process or contract when applying for a job through social media. This can make it difficult to hold scammers or dishonest employers accountable for their actions.

So, what can be done to protect yourself when seeking work through social media? First and foremost, it's important to do your research and thoroughly vet any potential employers before agreeing to work with them. This includes checking their website, social media profiles, and reviews from other employees or customers.

It's also a good idea to never provide personal information or payment upfront, especially if you haven't met the employer in person or had a chance to verify their legitimacy. And if something seems too good to be true, it probably is – be wary of job listings that promise high pay for minimal work or require you to pay a fee to apply.

Ultimately, while social media can be a useful tool for finding part-time work, it's important to be cautious and take steps to protect yourself from scams and fraud. By doing your research, being skeptical of suspicious job listings, and using common sense, you can help ensure that your job search is safe and successful. Or better yet use DoWork as we vet and verify every single job posting.