No matter how long you work for them in what appears to be a job, you will not be paid if you fall for one of these scams. There may be serious consequences for you. You may lose your identity, lose your money, ruin your credit rating, and probably worse if you fall victim to one of these scams. Scammers are trying to steal your personal information or involve you in illegal acts. You need to be very careful when looking for jobs online.
There are a few different types of job scams you may encounter. Some common job scams to watch out for include:
1. Fake job emails:
These may claim to be from recruiters or say they found your resume online. They want your Social Security number or bank details right away before you’ve verified anything. Beware if the email is from a domain that doesn’t match the company (e.g. gmail.com instead of the company website). Never send private info via email.
2. Social media scams:
On Facebook, fake pages promote sham opportunities. LinkedIn imposters make bogus LinkedIn Profiles and posts. Watch for shortened Twitter links that could lead anywhere dangerous. Always verify that the person or company is real before sharing any information.
3. Phony employer websites:
The site layout looks professional but exists just to steal identities. Google the company name; all you’ll find are job postings, not actual business information. Legit companies have publicly listed addresses, phone numbers, and details about services and products.
4. Fake job postings:
Even large job boards allow scammers to post listings if they pay. Just because a job is posted doesn’t prove it’s real. Search online reviews of the employer before applying or sharing any private details.
5. “Jobs” that require money handling:
These want you to immediately help move funds around or ship packages for a fee. They aim to scam you into criminal money laundering schemes or get you into legal trouble unknowingly. No real job would require this of a new employee.
Staying informed about common job scams can help keep your personal information and money safe during your job search. Take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of online fraud. Don’t let promises of easy money lead you into illegal acts or expose you to theft. Your safety and security should come before any potential job.
