Job Search Scams: A Pain in the Neck
The job search process can be tough enough without having to worry about scams. But unfortunately, job search scams are a real thing, and they can cost you time, money, and even your identity.
Here are some of the most common job search scams to watch out for:
- Fake job postings: These postings are often posted on job boards or social media, and they look like legitimate job opportunities. But when you apply, you’re asked to pay a fee for materials or training, or you’re contacted by a "recruiter" who asks for your personal information. These scammers are just trying to get your money, and they don’t have any real jobs to offer.
- Imposter scams: In these scams, someone pretends to be a hiring manager or recruiter from a legitimate company. They contact you by email or phone, and they ask you to send them personal information or to provide your banking information so they can deposit a "fake check" for you. Once you send them the information, they disappear and you’re left with no job and no money.
- Work-from-home scams: These scams promise you a high-paying job that you can do from home. But when you start working, you’re asked to pay for supplies or training, or you’re told that you need to recruit other people to work for the company. These scams often end up costing you money, and you never actually get paid for your work.
How to Spot and Avoid Them Like a Pro
Here are some tips to help you spot and avoid job search scams:
- Do your research: Before you apply for a job, do some research on the company. Check their website and social media pages to make sure they’re legitimate. You can also search for the company’s name online to see if there are any complaints or reviews.
- Be wary of job postings that are too good to be true: If a job posting promises you a high salary, no experience required, or work-from-home flexibility, it’s probably a scam. Legitimate job postings will be more realistic.
- Never pay for a job application: Legitimate employers will never ask you to pay for materials, training, or background checks. If you’re asked to pay for anything, it’s a scam.
- Be suspicious of anyone who contacts you out of the blue: If you receive an email or phone call from someone claiming to be a hiring manager or recruiter, be suspicious. Legitimate recruiters will never contact you unsolicited.
- Protect your personal information: Never give out your social security number, bank account information, or other personal information to someone you don’t know.
By following these tips, you can protect yourself from job search scams and find a legitimate job that’s right for you.
1 Fake job listings Fake job listings come in various forms Though job sites have measures in place to verify legitimate employers scammers sometimes manage to get their listings posted Other fake listings appear on social media profiles created expressly to deceive job seekersHow to vet an offer Scammers work hard to appear legitimate but like any forgery there are telltale signs to look for Here are a few ways to suss Them out Search for your next job nowPhishing which involves clicking on a link so youll a fill out a form and submit personal and financial information for identity theft or b unknowingly download malicious software onto yourMay 22 2023 Scammers are taking outdated ads from real employers changing Them and posting Them on employment websites and careeroriented platforms
like Indeed or LinkedIn The modified ads seem to be real job offers with legitimate companies Theyre not In fact their goal is to trick you into sharing personal informationRecruitment scams use fake job listings to target job seekers in a bid to defraud job seekers These fake job listings appear mostly on freetopost classified websites like Craigslist Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree You may also see Them posted on walls and lampposts since this problem isn39t limited to only the online space1 Using Fake URLs Photos and Company Names You come across an online job listing from a wellknown company offering workfromhome jobs Is it too good to be true Is the company really the company it claims to be Scammers will try to recreate the legitimate companys website by slightly altering the web
addressJune 10 2021 If youre looking for a job there are lots of things to think about from wages and commute time to benefits and employee resources And if you identify as LGBTQ you might also look for whether a workplace is LGBTQ friendly To make your job search safe and successful learn how to spot and avoid job scams1 Reshipper or Package Processor In the BBBs April 2020 survey 65 of respondents reported that their job offer was related to becoming a warehouse redistribution coordinator or a similar job that involved the reshipment of packages often of items purchased with stolen credit cards
Job search scams are a real pain, but they’re avoidable if you know what to look for. By doing your research, being wary of red flags, and protecting your personal information, you can avoid these scams and find a legitimate job that’s right for you.