Finding a job can be a trying task. Between searching employment ads in newspapers, through online searches, and job placement facilities, the hunt for gainful employment can be overwhelming. To make matters worse, scammers are out to make the task even harder. They are masters in deception, offering what may seem like lucrative employment, but in reality their objective is to take your money, or steal your identity to commit fraud. When searching for work, know the signs of a scam and how to avoid being a victim of a fraudulent job offer.
Warning Signs
Spotting a scam offer takes some skill. Shysters advertise their fake offers in the same places as legitimate employment offers - online, in newspapers, job placement materials, on television, and in radio ads. Here are some warning signs that should help you weed out the scams:
- No experience necessary. Most employers want individuals with some level of experience. Consider carefully and thoroughly research any offer that makes it appear that you can make a high salary with no experience.
- High earnings for little work. These types of offers are almost always a scam. Work-from-home jobs for envelope stuffing, assembly, or similar work almost always promote this model of minimal work with high pay. In the end, after paying advance fees for materials, training, etc., the job seeker gets nothing or is left with materials and products they cannot use.
- Pay first. Whether the request for payment claims to cover certification, training materials, placement expenses, background checks, or other expenses that are required to get the “job”, you shouldn’t have to pay for a promise of a job.
- Asking for banking or credit card information. Providing this information to unfamiliar individuals, or someone you haven’t agreed to pay, can compromise your information and allow scammers to use it to commit Identity theft. Remember, you shouldn’t have to give this kind of information to obtain a job offer.
- Request to wire money. Money wiring and transfers are a trick scammers use quite often. There is no reason for you to ever have to wire money for a position.
- Offers for “previously undisclosed” federal employment. Postal jobs and federal positions are advertised at an alarming rate by schemers; most times, a fee is required to obtain information. All information regarding federal employment is free and the positions are advertised publically on usajobs.gov. For postal jobs, check with the United States Postal Service to verify that hiring is taking place and to see if an exam is required for eligibility.
- Unsolicited job offers. If you are contacted by email, mail, or on the phone with an employment offer that you did not apply for, use caution and be alert to the probability that it is a scam. Oftentimes, scammers comb job boards for posted resumes and contact individuals offering bogus jobs. They even conduct phone “interviews” to further their scheme. Don’t fall for it. Before proceeding or giving any information, check out the offer and business first.
- Job offers to process payments using your personal account. This is a big red flag. Avoid offers of employment where the company requires you to use your own account to accept payments, cash checks, or process transactions. They are looking to use you to further their scheme or to steal your account information.
- The job description is vague. Employers that are looking to hire are seeking qualified individuals and will provide detailed information, including job duties, required experience, and salary information. Avoid offers that don’t disclose what the job is, or offers that change once you apply. For example, you apply for an administrative assistant job and later are told the position is in sales or to work from home. These bait-and-switch tactics are a clear indication you are not dealing with a legitimate employment offer.
Other Red Flags
In addition to the warning signs noted above, look out for the following:
- Email offers from popular companies, such as Microsoft or Google, claiming high earnings to work from home. These types of companies don’t solicit employees in this manner.
- Phishing scams where schemers spoof the name of a real business to offer phony jobs.
- Asking for your personal information, such as your social security number, before you are hired.
- You’re asked to do an instant message (IM) interview. Most interviews are done in person, or by phone.
- You’re offered the job right away, sight unseen, on the spot. Be suspicious of overzealous employers that hire you right away. It is almost certain that you are not dealing with a real offer.
- Email replies and correspondence are not from a business address. Be careful responding to offers that use emails from Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, etc.
- Inability to establish a physical location for the business.
- Typos, bad grammar, or poorly written ads.
Steps To Avoid Being Scammed
Now that we have identified the warning signs, here are additional steps to take to avoid falling victim to employment scams:
1. Check out the company! This is the most important of all. Do your research by obtaining a Business Consumer Alliance reliability report on the company. Also, conduct an Internet search to find out if there are any complaints, or information about the offer. Check with the state Attorney General for complaints or actions filed against the business. Also, research articles written about the business in magazines, newspapers, and other sources.
2. Research the position and the salary for the position. Check to see what qualifications are typically needed to fill the position. If the pay offered is considerably higher than the norm, be cautious when responding to the offer.
3. Don’t rely on money back guarantees or testimonials provided by the business. They may prove worthless if you’re dealing with a fraud.
4. If hired, avoid immediately setting up direct deposit for payment into your account from any unfamiliar employer until you have determined you are working for a trustworthy company.
Resources for Job Seekers
If you are looking for a job, there are several resources available. The U.S. Department of Labor provides a vast list of available job opportunities. Other resources include JobCenter.USA.gov, local, state and county human resources offices, college career service offices, your local library, and employment counseling facilities. Also, network to inquire about possible positions.
Being able to identify and avoid a potential job scam can save you frustration, time, and money. If you are aware of a bogus job scam, or need to report a fraudulent company,file a complaint with Business Consumer Alliance or write a review about your experience.
About The Author:
Nicole Pitts is a Senior Business Analyst and Editor for Business Consumer Alliance. She has been with the organization for 12 years and specializes in report writing, business evaluation, and investigations. Nicole corresponds with businesses regarding complaint trends and provides suggestions to help them alleviate problem areas that may cause concern. She also conducts advertisement reviews, reports on government enforcement actions, and assists government agencies in obtaining information. She enjoys reading, movies, and spending time with her family. Nicole can be reached by email at npitts@businessconsumeralliance.org.