In China, where youth unemployment is high, Chinese newspapers reported that a string of troubles surrounding recruitment and internships targeting university students engaged in job hunting have occurred. Chinese authorities have announced typical cases that disrupted the order of the talent market, such as fraudulent job postings, illegal fee collection, unauthorized job placement, and employment discrimination, calling for people to 'beware of sweet talk.'

According to Dongfang Xinbao, a corporate management service company in Jiangsu Province cooperated with another company to arrange student internships and placements. Such acts are considered to violate China's Vocational Education Law, which prohibits organizing and managing student internships through human resources service agencies and similar entities.

Authorities are urging students to thoroughly confirm job details, working hours, remuneration, and liability for breach of contract before entering into internship agreements or similar arrangements. In particular, caution is required for cases where deposits, training fees, health examination fees, and other charges are requested under the pretext of 'internships.'

Recruitment scams promising high income have also occurred. An individual associated with an information technology company posted job advertisements for well-paid logistics workers on major recruitment websites, interviewed job seekers around logistics parks, and collected 300 to 500 yuan (approximately 6,978 to 11,631 yen) claiming that 'insurance enrollment is required.' Ultimately, having defrauded a total of 13,500 yuan (approximately 314,041 yen), the individual was punished for fraud.

Delivery companies in Nanjing and elsewhere falsified the brand of the logistics company 'Huolala (Lalamove)' and recruited high-income light truck drivers. They promised stable work and guaranteed minimum income, and made job seekers purchase light trucks at prices higher than market value. However, in reality, the work primarily involved one-off dispatches, and those who requested returns were charged penalties. In this case, over 3 million yuan (approximately 69,786,900 yen) was defrauded, and four individuals involved were sentenced.

A 'training business disguised as recruitment' that uses phrases like 'side jobs possible for beginners' and 'case referrals after training' is also becoming a problem. A certain education technology company, after posting advertisements for side jobs in video editing and homework grading, made applicants enter into training contracts citing 'lack of skills,' and charged a training fee of 4,500 yuan (approximately 104,680 yen). As a result of the investigation, it was found that the company did not have the necessary licenses for human resource services or vocational training.

Furthermore, job postings impersonating other companies and illegal job postings with gender restrictions such as 'men only' were also confirmed. While the spread of online recruitment has made things more convenient, unlicensed brokers are also finding it easier to infiltrate.

Experts point out that 'university students' job hunting is not merely a job search but also a process of discerning legal risks.' They state that it is important to confirm the authenticity of job postings and company qualifications, and to carefully read the contract details. Authorities are also warning job seekers to 'apply after confirming, sign after understanding the content, and pause before making any transfers.' (Edited by Hinata)