Applying for jobs was already tricky enough and nowadays, on top of it all, you also have to be weary of fake job listings. College students, recent grads, or anyone new to the job market might not know common red flags for fake jobs.
How Job Scams Work
- Fake Listings: On job sites and social media, scammers post ads for all types of fake jobs. One common role is something along the lines of a remote “personal assistant” – basically, positions that sound easy and well-paid.
- Recruiters: Unsolicited messages from supposed “recruiters” are very common in today’s job market. Through text, calls, or email, these scammers tell people they’ve been selected for a position. The catch? They request payment for things like equipment, training, or certifications; they may also ask for sensitive personal information in order to complete enrollment.
- Suspicious Emails: Job-seekers who are targeted by scammers may receive emails that look like they’re from someone they know, like a college professor or someone from the administration office. Stay alert for signs of phishing.
Avoiding Job Scams
- Research: Always do your research. Even if it sounds like your dream role, research the company and any contacts you’ve been communicating with.
- Verify: If a message is supposedly from someone you know, verify the email address or phone number with their official listed contact information.
- Never Pay: Jobs pay YOU! You don’t pay for jobs. Real employers don’t charge fees for training, materials, or certifications. Never send money to anyone claiming to offer you a job.
We hope these tips help anyone entering the job market to ward off potential scammers and instead start their job-seeking journey on the right foot. Thanks for reading this week’s Fraud Friday from your friends here at Guthrie County State Bank.
If you want to learn more about avoiding job scams, visit ftc.gov/jobscams, and to report suspicious job offers, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.