The job market is hot despite low unemployment rates, and that means job scams are on the rise!
Fraudsters are targeting millions of Americans searching for jobs, looking for opportunities to obtain access to victims’ identities and financial information. According to the Federal Trade Commission, last year $367 million were lost to business and job opportunity scams — a 76% increase from 2021.
WHAT DO EMPLOYMENT SCAMS LOOK LIKE?
Fraudsters post fake job opportunities on online job sites, social media platforms, and in the newspaper. These fake postings offer employment but are instead being used to acquire personal or financial information from victims.
Examples include:
- Impersonating Legitimate Companies: Fraudsters pretend to be well-known businesses and spoof websites that direct job applicants to apply on fake websites. They try to persuade victims to provide their personal information, such as social security number, date of birth, or account information.
- Mystery Shopper Scams: Individuals sign up to be mystery shoppers and are asked to provide personal information. They will then receive a fake check in the mail to be used to shop at a specific store. Fraudsters also have these individuals purchase a gift card and ask to send pictures of it after depositing the check. Victims can also receive instructions to send part of the money back to the fraudster. In both situations, the victim is responsible for the amount of the check.
- Reshipping Scams: Fraudsters instruct victims to receive packages at their residence, remove all original packaging and receipts, and have them repack and ship the item to an address that is provided to them. They say they will pay the victim after a month of work, but the victim never receives payment and can also fall victim to identity theft.
- Job Placement Services: Fraudsters charge individuals a fee to find employment. Legitimate employers will never charge fees to the job applicant, they will pay the fees themselves.
SIGNS THAT A JOB OFFER IS A SCAM
- You receive a job offer you did not apply for.
- The job posting is not listed on the company’s website.
- You’re never interviewed.
- The job offer comes from a free email address (Hotmail, Yahoo, or Gmail).
- A fee needs paid to start the job.
- You are instructed to deposit money into an account and send it to someone else.
- You are asked to provide personal or financial information prior to starting the job.
TIPS TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM OF JOB SCAMS
- Research the company before accepting any job offer.
- Never pay money to obtain a job.
- Never share personal information. It should not have to be provided until after being hired.
- Do not give out any card information (credit or debit).
- Never accept a job that requires you to use your own bank account to send funds to someone else.