The economy is at low and layoffs are high. The increased numbers of job searchers has also increased the number of job search scams. Some scammers are looking to steal personal information and money. Others are just looking to waste your time and make money on your online activities. Here are some ways you can identify whether or not a job posting is legitimate.
Requests for Personal Information
These types of postings are most likely phishing scams that are looking for information they can use for identify theft. Never submit your social security number, date of birth, driver’s license, or bank account information to anyone without verifying their authenticity. Very few legitimate companies will require your bank account information in the hiring process.
Unrealistic Promises
Many scammers offer outrageous promises to lure people into submitting their information. Work from home, earn up to $10,000 per week, set your own hours, no experience necessary, and start today are all promises that should prompt you to do research. If it sounds too good to be true, it just may be.
Request for Registration on another Site or Web Conferencing Service
This strategy is a way for scammers to make money from your actions. When a scammer sends you to a site that asks you for a membership or to sign up for a conference service, they are setting up a system to earn affiliate money from web traffic. There is not necessarily a danger to your identity or personal information with this scam. However, it is a huge time-waster and uses you to earn money for someone who is not being honest with their intentions.
Obvious Spelling or Grammar Errors in the Posting
Scams that are generated from foreign countries are often evident due to the fact that their grammar is not quite right. Everyone makes mistakes and even top companies may misspell a word or have a typo in their posting. However, you should take precautions when the entire posting is full of errors.
Overseas Contact Information for Local Job Postings
If you have submitted your resume to a local position and the response you receive comes from an overseas email account you should beware. Also avoid inquiries from employers in a foreign country looking to hire people in the United States to handle accounts payable or receivables. They often ask you to open a bank account and collect checks (that will bounce) and make payments to vendors. When the account becomes overdrawn, you are liable for the money because you opened the account.
Use common sense, take precautions, and always do your research before moving forward with a company. Use the Federal Trade Commission (http://www.ftc.gov/) and the Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.org/) to conduct research.
Requests for Personal Information
These types of postings are most likely phishing scams that are looking for information they can use for identify theft. Never submit your social security number, date of birth, driver’s license, or bank account information to anyone without verifying their authenticity. Very few legitimate companies will require your bank account information in the hiring process.
Unrealistic Promises
Many scammers offer outrageous promises to lure people into submitting their information. Work from home, earn up to $10,000 per week, set your own hours, no experience necessary, and start today are all promises that should prompt you to do research. If it sounds too good to be true, it just may be.
Request for Registration on another Site or Web Conferencing Service
This strategy is a way for scammers to make money from your actions. When a scammer sends you to a site that asks you for a membership or to sign up for a conference service, they are setting up a system to earn affiliate money from web traffic. There is not necessarily a danger to your identity or personal information with this scam. However, it is a huge time-waster and uses you to earn money for someone who is not being honest with their intentions.
Obvious Spelling or Grammar Errors in the Posting
Scams that are generated from foreign countries are often evident due to the fact that their grammar is not quite right. Everyone makes mistakes and even top companies may misspell a word or have a typo in their posting. However, you should take precautions when the entire posting is full of errors.
Overseas Contact Information for Local Job Postings
If you have submitted your resume to a local position and the response you receive comes from an overseas email account you should beware. Also avoid inquiries from employers in a foreign country looking to hire people in the United States to handle accounts payable or receivables. They often ask you to open a bank account and collect checks (that will bounce) and make payments to vendors. When the account becomes overdrawn, you are liable for the money because you opened the account.
Use common sense, take precautions, and always do your research before moving forward with a company. Use the Federal Trade Commission (http://www.ftc.gov/) and the Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.org/) to conduct research.
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