About 14 million people are duped by employment scams every year, according to the Better Business Bureau. Even the most savvy job seeker might find it difficult to identify a scam versus a genuine offer.
Identify the Red Flags
It's Too Good to Be True
The first major flag is if they contacted you. 80% of victims reported that the scammer initiated the conversation via a job board or social media. The alleged “employer” will offer a job immediately or try to convince you that you’re a finalist in the hiring process.
Unfortunately, when the pay is higher than industry standard it is probably not the real deal. Also, if the job sounds too good to be true – flexible, work from home job with extraordinary per hour wages – it probably is.
Vague Job Requirements & Job Descriptions
If the requirements for a job listing are oversimplified – “you must be 18, a US citizen and have internet access” – and they do not include job experience or education, the job likely does not exist.
Job descriptions should also provide clear indications of duties and responsibilities. Always ask for specifics and be aware if you are still given vague details.
You're Asked to Provide Confidential Information
A huge red flag is if you are asked for your bank account information to set up direct deposit or transfer money to your account. Other scammers will ask you to go to a website to fill out a credit report form or provide more confidential information, like your SSN, birth date, etc., for “insurance” purposes.
Before entering personal information online, check to make sure the website provided is secure by looking at the we address bar. Secure websites have URLs that begin with “HTTPS://“ not “HTTP://“.
You Are Asked to Pay for Something
Legitimate companies do not ask you for money. If you’re told you are required to purchase software or pay for services, be wary. You should not pay for the company to run a credit report or to have your resume reviewed.
Unprofessional Emails
While some scammers craft well-written emails, watch our for errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation. Reputable companies will have ensured quality and professionalism. Another clear indicator is the lack of company information or questionable email addresses for known companies.
If you have any doubts, google the email addresses along with the word “scam” to determine their validity or if others have reported the company as fake.
How to protect yourself from Employment Scams:
Scammers will troll job boards looking for victims. The following are simple steps you can use to avoid being duped by an employment scam.
- Use job sites that have privacy policies and only allow verified employers to view the listings.
- Research any company and job offer you feel is too good to be true.
- Ask questions and pay close attention to the answers.
- Slow down the process and avoid being pressured into making a commitment.