Job Scams
07/17/2024
Job Scams
If you are currently looking for a job, it is important to be aware that job scams are on the rise. Many scammers are targeting job applicants to steal their money and personal information.
While job scams are not new, scammers are employing many new techniques to scam honest job-seeking people. Like most scammers, their motivation is to steal your personal information and money. In impersonating employers, these scammers are easily able to convince their victim to give up important information like social security numbers, addresses, and banking information that legitimate employers would need access to.
Many scammers advertise fake jobs in the same places that legitimate employers do, so it can be hard to weed through what is fake and what is not. Fake employers even go so far as to create links to spoofed websites of legitimate companies. The best way to avoid falling for fake job listings is to vet any positions you are looking to apply for. Search online with keywords like “scam,” “complaint,” and “legitimate” plus the company and position to verify. Next, talk to someone you trust. They can help you research positions and may offer a fresh set of eyes on anything that may seem suspicious.
Another job scam making the rounds is interviews via online messaging. People have reported receiving texts or emails notifying them that they have been selected to interview for a job they have never applied for. When they try to arrange the interview, personal information is required to complete set up. The scammer then has access to any identifying information you provided. Remember: jobs are a lot like lotteries. Just as you cannot win a lottery you never entered, you cannot get a job you never applied for. Always be wary of “recruiters” contacting you out of the blue for jobs you never showed interest in.
Finally, the recent prevalence of working from home has also led to work-from-home job scams. Many of these positions will post amazing opportunities like choosing your own hours, excellent pay, full benefits, and being your own boss. They may be for things like appointment setting or reshipping products. However, these are a scam. These positions do exist but usually with set hours and lower pay. These scammers also often require you to pay for expensive starter kits, training, or certificates that you must pay for beforehand. This is a way for scammers to steal your credit card information.
To avoid these scams, here are a couple important things to remember:
- Honest employers will never ask you to pay to get a job.
- No one can guarantee you a job.
- Never trust a cleared check, and anyone asking you to send them back funds is a scammer.
- An employer will never need access to your credit card.
Protect yourself by doing your research, being cautious of too-good-to-be-true opportunities, and guarding your personal information. If you encounter a scam job, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov/Report. And if you paid a scammer, call your bank or credit card company at a trusted number to report the fraud and try to get the transaction reversed.
Searching for a new job is stressful enough without the deluge of scam jobs looking to steal your money and personal information. Stay informed on the latest job scams to protect yourself and your loved ones!
Sources:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams
https://www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2022/PSA220201
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/job-scams-start-social-media-appointment-setters
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/job-scams