Online Job Postings: Real Jobs vs. Scams
It is easier than ever to search for jobs from the convenience and privacy of your own home, but online job hunters must beware-- there are phishing sites eager to lure unsuspecting job hunters into their elaborate identity theft scams! Although some of the most popular job sites have become more aggressive at trying to filter the real ads from the scams, the shear amount of ads posted on a daily basis poses a problem. So, it is really up to the job hunter to know how to detect the red flags and learn how to protect themselves from the possibility of identity theft.Don’t give out any private data.
Many times phishing sites will claim that certain information is needed for payment, but legitimate employers will offer alternative methods of payment that do not require you to divulge any private data. If a job posting is asking for social security information, a copy of your drivers license, or PayPal account and personal bank information, the chances are high that it is not a legitimate ad. Similarly, do not list any of this information on any resume that you post online—provide a post office box rather than your actual street address and initials rather than full name.
Never pay for a job opportunity.
Legitimate job offers should never require you to invest your own money in order to earn money with a job. It is very likely that these are scammers trying to get a quick buck from unsuspecting job hunters by promoting fake business opportunities.
Don’t judge a book by its cover.
Although a job posting may look and seem legitimate, scammers have gotten increasingly more sophisticated in recent years. They have begun mirroring actual sites almost perfectly, even using company names and logos. Initiating personal contact with the company posting the job is a good way to safeguard you from responding to a job offer that is potentially a fraud. You can even Google the company website and search for complaints that were filed with the Better Business Bureau.
Steer clear of job postings that lack detailed information about the company and the position. Legitimate job offers usually target applicants with certain amounts of experience and provide a detailed description of the job offer. In any case, it is important never to divulge personal information, EVER! If no personal information was divulged the most harm that scammers can do is waste your time. Good luck!
Labels: real-world knowledge, rip off, scammers
Posted by Seymour Jobs on 5/22/2009 02:58:00 PM
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2 Comments:
Although I don't know anyone who has been scammed nor have I personally been scammed through online job posting, I would imagine it would be a terrible ordeal. I do know someone who had their credit card stolen so I am well aware of how terrible the consequences of identify theft can be - a ruined credit score for years, money that may never be recovered, and possibly a drain on other accounts. Being scammed while looking for jobs is kind of like being kicked while you are down - what could be worse than being unemployed and then being scammed while look for a job. It's an unfortunate situation that I hope I never go through.
There's this company called Vector Marketing. I almost went in for one of their group interviews, but I decided to do some research first. Found out it was just a scam. They target college students and basically have them selling $900 knives. They tell them to demonstrate the product to family and friends, then get referrals from them. You make more money when you reach a certain # of sales but you never will. Who in their right mind will buy more knives, let alone at a ridiculous price. There have been complaints on the BBB site. Some people have even posted that they were never paid. Just stay away them.