Employment Scams

If you’re on the hunt for a job, you know how competitive it is out there. Landing a good position can feel out of reach, with so many candidates vying for an opportunity. 

As a result, the pressure is on to fire off as many applications as possible. However, it’s important to resist the urge to respond to every posting. Fake job scams are becoming increasingly common, and it’s easier than you think to fall victim to them. 

The best course of action is to be critical, do your homework, and understand how to protect yourself from an employment scam. Read on to learn what an employment scam is and what you can do to stay safe. 

What are employment scams?

Employment scams are set up to lure in unsuspecting individuals with opportunities, promising valuable work experience. They slip through checks by posting fake jobs on popular platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed. 

Scammers might also reach out through email or phone, pretending to offer real employment. They’ll often pose as representatives of well-known companies to seem more credible.

Scammers go to great lengths to create legally registered businesses with professional websites and even establish a presence on review sites. They make fake accounts to flood these platforms with positive reviews, creating a facade of satisfied employees and customers. 

Overall, employment scams come in different forms and can be quite sophisticated, so do your best to stay on your toes. 

Red flags to look out for 

While searching for opportunities, it’s important to watch for signs that job postings might be a scam. 

• Keep your personal information safe: If you’re asked for sensitive details like bank information or your Social Security number, it's a red flag. These details are typically requested later when you’ve secured a position. Legitimate opportunities usually don't need that information early in the application process. 
• Watch out for financial requests: Be cautious if they ask you to pay for the opportunity or buy equipment; real opportunities usually don't require upfront payments. For instance, if they provide a laptop, they'll order it directly. Also, don't trust "cleared" checks; it's a scam. Legitimate employers won't ask you to deposit a check and send them money. 
• Trust your gut: If something seems off about their legitimacy, look into it. Generic emails or unclear company details are reasons to tread carefully. Remember that legitimate organizations typically share specific and clear contact info.
• Be skeptical of offers without interviews or experience: Don’t fall for opportunities that claim no interview or experience is necessary. Real job opportunities usually involve some level of screening.
• Approach unexpected offers with caution: Legitimate employers usually don't reach out first; genuine opportunities typically come from going after them. So, exercise caution when you get those out-of-the-blue offers.
• Be wary of unrealistic offers: If an offer for employment sounds too good to be true, it might be a sign of a scam. Before moving forward, make sure to investigate thoroughly, especially if the benefits seem overly lucrative.
• Check for red flags in job descriptions: If a job description looks unprofessional, filled with grammar mistakes or misspelled words, it might be a signal that something's not right. Legitimate opportunities usually come with clear and well-written job descriptions.
• Confirm website links and emails: Make sure the website links and email addresses they provide match the official details of the organization. For example, if you find a role through a job board, take the time to confirm on the organization’s website.

What you can do to protect yourself

If you’ve been hit by an employment scam or suspect one, follow these steps to regain control and safeguard your personal information. 

1. Alert Authorities

If you fall victim to an employment scam, contact your local or national police for assistance. It’s also important to report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP or on their website. 

If your social security number is compromised, report it on IdentiftyTheft.gov. Additionally, consider reaching out to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, your state's attorney general, and the Better Business Bureau to cover all the bases. If you’re a student, reach out to your college's Career Development/Services office about any scam-related emails.

2. Platform-Specific Reporting

To report scams on platforms like Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Indeed, use their dedicated reporting tools. If it's on Google, you can report phishing through the Gmail interface. You can also report scam Google accounts, including Gmail or Hangouts, via Gmails Help Center. To learn more about how to avoid and report scams on Google, refer to this helpful resource. 

If you spot suspicious users on LinkedIn or are contacted by one, take the time to report them. 

On Facebook, use the platform's reporting tool for abusive content or scams. If you suspect your account has been hacked, follow these steps. If you’re contacted by a scammer on Indeed, report any suspicious activity. 

3. Strengthen Online Security

If you suspect your accounts have been hacked, change your passwords right away. To prevent that from happening, you can boost your online security by first creating strong passwords for your most sensitive accounts and using a password manager to keep them secure. Then, add an extra layer of protection through two-factor authentication. 

4. Recover Funds if Possible/Protect Your Credit

If you spot charges you didn't make on your credit/debit card, contact the card issuer to reverse them right away. To prevent unauthorized access to your credit, freeze it as soon as possible by contacting Equifax, TransUnion, or Experian. 

For any suspicious bank transfers, report the issue directly to your bank. Follow the steps provided for wire transfers, money transfer apps, and cryptocurrency payments to resolve any issues. If cash was sent via mail, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. 

5. Regular Checks

Monitor your credit report through annualcreditreport.com, and keep an eye on existing accounts for unusual activity. Don't forget to activate notifications for your bank and credit cards. This way, you'll get immediate alerts if there are any suspicious transactions.

Wrapping up

You deserve to feel safe as you search for a job. So, keep these measures in mind while you’re exploring job boards to prioritize your safety and peace of mind. 

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