Job scams are on the rise, but they’re easy to spot once you know what to look for.
Here’s an example job scam that folks on campus have recently encountered:
You respond to an email job offer. Once you’re hired your “employer” sends you a (fraudulent) check.
They tell you to deposit the check and do one or more of the following:
- Send part of that money to third parties using cash apps like Venmo and Zelle or wire transfer services like Western Union
- Buy gift cards and send the bar codes to third parties
- Tell you to repay them an apparent overpayment from your paycheck via a cash app or wire transfer
When the fake check bounces, your bank holds you responsible for the funds sent.
This is just one type of job scam. For other types of job scams, see the Federal Trade Commission’s guide to Job Scams.
Don’t fall for these scams—here’s how to protect yourself.
How to Avoid a Job Scam
Before you accept a job offer, and certainly an online job, take these steps to protect yourself from job scams:
- Do search online. Look up the company or the person who’s hiring you. Include the words “scam” or “complaint.” Odds are they’ve scammed other people and your search may alert you to the fact.
- Do ask advice. Describe the job offer to someone you trust and ask what they think.
- Don’t pay to get a job. Legitimate employers don’t ask you to pay them. Nor do job placement agencies or recruiters typically charge a job seeker to find them a job. Any “employer” who does is most likely a scammer.
- Don’t give in to time pressure or deadlines. Take time to research and consider the offer. If someone is pressuring you to accept a job offer, that’s a signal that it might be a job scam.
- Don’t respond to email job offers from unknown parties.
- Don’t give out personal information like your social security number or bank account number to people you don’t know.
Sources:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams
https://www.colorado.edu/studentemployment/resources/recognize-avoid-job-scams