Don't Fall for These Job Scams

Nancy Anderson
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The ability to perform an online job search is a huge benefit to job seekers, saving them time and effort, but the Internet is also a breeding ground for job scams. When you're on the job hunt, beware of these eight common online job scams.

1. Copycat Companies

Watch out for companies that have a name or logo that closely matches a more reputable employer. Some job scammers even use the actual name of a large organization. Do some research on the recruiter and the company before making a move.

2. Vague Job Descriptions

If a job posting lists requirements and skills that are vague and apply to nearly everyone without the need for education, training or work experience, it may be a job scam. Don't provide any personal information until you get more specific details about the position.

3. Trial Employment Period

If a recruiter tells you that you're one of a few selected candidates and asks you to participate in a two- or three-week trial employment period, be leery. Many job scammers use this tactic to collect your personal details and then disappear.

4. Employment Agencies

Some less-than-reputable employment agencies post ads with fake jobs that sound very appealing just to collect information from hopeful job seekers. These agencies often use a bait-and-switch approach, offering a less-enticing position after they have your personal details.

5. Unknown Recruiter

Be skeptical about any unsolicited job offers you receive, whether through email, LinkedIn, Twitter or other means. Research the recruiter using Google and social media before you respond to the offer.

6. Secret Job Lists

Don't fall for job postings that offer to sell you a "secret" job list for federal government positions or U.S. Postal Service jobs. These types of jobs are free to search for and apply online; anyone charging a fee for this information is a scammer.

7. Work From Home

There are a lot of really good work from home opportunities posted on the internet.  Unfortunately, there are also potentially bad ones that job seekers will come across while looking for their next opportunity.  You should always be extremely cautious when finding a work from home position that requires you to pay a start-up fee or purchase instructions.  Little or no income will be generated through these positions.

8. Background Checks

If a recruiter claims the company needs you to pay for a credit report or background check before hiring you, don't fall for it. These scammers are only out for your money and personal information.

When you're already desperate to find a job, the last thing you want is to be taken advantage of by online scammers. During an online job search, pay close attention to the details of the posting. If a job sounds too good to be true, proceed cautiously, as it may be a job scam. Never provide personal details, such as your Social Security number or bank account information, to someone you haven't met.

 
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  • Craig Spinner
    Craig Spinner •

    Has anyone received anything from Komatsu, Brenden Palmer? Komatsu is an actual company, but this doesn't sound legit. Please let me know. Thanks

  • Craig Spinner
    Craig Spinner •

    Komatsu - HTML VERSION – Job Description

    I received no reply the first time I sent this e-mail , so I’m sending it to you again just in case the first one didn’t arrive or it was overlooked.

    Komatsu Ltd. is a Japanese multinational corporation that manufactures construction, mining, and military equipment, as well as industrial equipment like press machines, lasers and thermoelectric generators.Its headquarters are at 2-3-6, Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. The corporation was named after the city of Komatsu, Ishikawa, where the company was founded in 1917. Worldwide, the Komatsu Group consists of Komatsu Ltd. and 182 other companies (146 consolidated subsidiaries and 35 companies accounted for by the equity method).

    Komatsu is the world's second largest manufacturer of construction equipment and mining equipment after Caterpillar. However, in some areas (Japan, China), Komatsu has a larger share than Caterpillar. It has manufacturing operations in Japan, Asia, Americas and Europe.

    History

    Komatsu Iron Works was started by Takeuchi Mining Industry as a subsidiary to make industrial tools for the parent company.

    Komatsu eventually became large enough to sell to the public, and was spun off on May 13, 1921 as Komatsu Ltd.

    Komatsu produced its first agricultural tractor prototype in 1931. Through the 1930s, Komatsu also produced military tractors for the Japanese military, as well as bulldozers, tanks and howitzers. After World War II, under its new president Yoshinari Kawai, Komatsu added non-military bulldozers and forklifts to its line of equipment.

    In 1949 it began production of its first diesel engine.Its growth as a company was aided by the strong demand for its bulldozers during Japan's post-war reconstruction in the 1950s.In August 1951 the corporate headquarters were moved to Tokyo. By 1957 the company had advanced technologically to the point that all its models were using Komatsu engines.

    In 1964 Rioichi Kawai, son of Yoshinari Kawai, became president of Komatsu,and it began exporting its products, looking to counteract the postwar image of Japanese products as being cheap and poorly made. In July 1967, it entered the U.S. market, taking on Caterpillar,the largest bulldozer maker, in its home market.

    This was done under the company slogan of "Maru-C", translating into English as "encircle Caterpillar" (from the game of Go (board game), where encircling an opponent results in capture of his territory).

    Komatsu and Dresser Industries established Komatsu Dresser to make mining tractors and related equipment.This 50-50 ownership lasted from September 1988 to August 1994, when Komatsu bought out Dresser's share.Komatsu's mining products were consolidated under the name Komatsu Mining Systems in 1997.

    To prevent brand-name confusion during these corporate changes, the name "Haulpak" was used for the product line Komatsu began with Dresser. The name "Haulpak" dates back to 1957 when LeTourneau-Westinghouse introduced a range of rear dump trucks known as "Haulpaks". LeTourneau-Westinghouse equipment later became known simply as WABCO equipment in 1967.

    The name Haulpak was an industry term that eventually became applied to any type of rear dump truck. A detailed history of the development of the Haulpak can be found in Wabco Australia.

    Compensation: - $5000 Fixed Monthly Salary

    Komatsu is seeking an entry level payment processor! No experience needed. We are going to offer a very robust benefits package as well as a very tight group that has fun. You will have the opportunity to dig in and learn with opportunities for growth down the road. This is a direct hire opportunity that we want to fill immediately!

    Job Requirements

    This position has ongoing accounts receivables responsibilities including data entry, problem resolution and invoicing. The goal of this position is to perform and improve current accounts receivable functions within the organization, and to successfully complete duties in a timely manner while maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism.

    Posts customer payments by recording cash, checks, and credit card transactions.

    Updates receivables by totaling unpaid invoices and communicating missing invoices to client

    Maintains and posts all records of debits, and credits

    Resolves invoice issues in a timely and complete manner

    Protects organization's trust by keeping information confidential

    Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities.

    Apply customer payments.

    Provide administrative support including copying, faxing, scanning and filing

    Build, strengthen and maintain positive business relationships by establishing rapport with internal personnel

    Provide timely feedback to the company regarding service failures

    Must have the ability to work overtime IF NEEDED!

    The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the var

  • Myra F.
    Myra F. •

    Worked extremely hard to acheive a Bachelor`s degree in Internet security and Business Systems Analysis. The exercises and software used to accomplish this was complex and the same used in real world environment, yet, cannot land a relevant job because of the required 6+ YEARS EXPERINCE "ON-THE-JOB" . I even went so far as to become certified in specific needed areas but the "Experience" card is holding me back. I feel this is an unfair consequence of taking the time and substantial financial risk to obtain a degree for a new skill-set that will be a large portion of the current workforce environment and qualifications. Looks like I may be driving a SEMI in order to pay off student loans.

  • Helen B.
    Helen B. •

    To Paul Clarry: Needing previous experience is the main reason why I can't land a job in my field. I was certified as a CNA, CHHA, and PCA, but couldn't get a job as a CNA in a facility so I worked as a CHHA for over a year. Last year I returned to school and became registered as a RMA. Due to health issues that prevented me from working until 6 years ago, I don't have much experience; but I did study hard and graduated on the dean's list. Unfortunately, without experience, my diploma and certifications aren't worth the paper they're printed on since I can't find someone that will give me a chance.

  • Helen B.
    Helen B. •

    There are links that ask you to call them as long as you have a certain amount of time to spend on an interview only to be persuaded to further you education. I have my certification in my chosen field, and answer "No" to the question of planning to attend college; but I get calls about that any way. I also was specific in what job I was looking for, and the area I want to work in (Schenectady, NY). Not only do I get offers for jobs not related to my field, 9X's out of 10 the jobs that are related are in a different state. What part of NY don't they understand?

  • Barbara O.
    Barbara O. •

    There are A LOT of scammers on craigslist!! Be very careful. Even a job as simple as part time admin assistant, which would seem to be legit, could be a fraud ad. I always send a. Email asking more about the position before I send my resume.

  • Kim L.
    Kim L. •

    The worst scam that I've seen, are the sites that ask if you're attending, or plan to attend college, as part of you're profile. If you answer "No", there's suddenly a problem, and you are directed, to try back later. If you answer "Yes" you get to view a bunch of useless job lists, outside of you're area, followed by 20 to 30 phone calls, from college recruiters. I have labeled these, "Website Parasites"

  • CHANTAL LAMBERT
    CHANTAL LAMBERT •

    I been had 2 times so far, jobs promising a thousand dollars a week, they send you a contract to sign and scan and send back, they want you to include your drivers license and personal information, I got a check in the mail, I tried to cash it, my bank said it was not a real check, so now I am worried I will be in trouble for trying to cash a check that was counterfeit? When anybody tries to pay you up front, DON'T BELEIVE IT...

  • Michelle J.
    Michelle J. •

    Hitachi data system listed on glassdoor MRS NOLAN HEWITT recruiter then sends you to interview via google hangouts with SCOTT KELLY he performs the interview then request you to purchase a software for 360.00 they accept partial payments via western union send the money to there vendor JOY FEASTER in SC then request to buy the g1 tracker 420.00 i told him i don't have that kind of money and i also said didnt you say the company would provide me with all the material necessary he got aggressive he said you need to borrow it do what ever it takes if you want your job have this done by friday morning i caught on to it Hewitt disappeared he deleted his account the number she texted me from for the interview not even legit DO NOT APPLY TO HITACHI DATA SYSTEM AND I REPORTED THEM TO WESTERN UNION

  • Kathryn G.
    Kathryn G. •

    As soon as you notice articles (the, a, an) missing, do not respond!! Things like: job is needing high levels of skill. If these people want to scam, they should at LEAST learn that the English language has THE, A and AN in front of nouns! Duh! Also, misused plural and singular endings are a huge tip off. It's very clear that scams almost always read as if someone does not know how to speak English correctly. You don't have to be an English major to spot a scam.

  • Maureen F.
    Maureen F. •

    Be on the look out for Albotross Global. They will send an email stating they received your resume and you need to do an online interview after downloading an app. I went on the company's website first bc I didn't apply for any positions with them. I was immediately notified by them that there are scams going on using their company name. They told you want to look for and also what an actual email looks like from them. They also ask to be notified when this happens. I also received the same type of emails from Houzz Home Design Inc and Amcor (Holdings) LTD. I did not apply to any positions with either of these companies and have no experience in these areas. I responded to both these emails by just saying "this is a scam" and never heard back from either. Really stinks that you can't even look for a job without having to worry abt these things! Good luck to everyone!

  • JANET S.
    JANET S. •

    Sorry, I keep hitting the SEND button. That check is bogus. 1st, a Cashiers check can be cashed at any bank, so why the need to deposit. 2. Why would any legitimate company sent large sums of money to a complete stranger. I had over $7000 worth on these checks one time. Of course I destroyed them. Don't go down that rabbit hole.

  • JANET S.
    JANET S. •

    Mystery Shopper works like this. You are told you assignment will be mailed to you along with a Cashiers check for 2 or 3 thousand dollars. Assignment to go to Walmart or other store, and buy a high end item. You'll to critique the sales person. The money for purchase will come from your bank checking acct. To prepare, you are to deposit their giant check in your acct, then go to Western Union or other cash transfer. They ask that you only pay a small fee $250.00.and send it to them. Since you have a Cashiers check deposited, you figure, what the h. By the time you need the deposit of that check posted to your acct, you've already paid those snakes that $250 ish

  • David D.
    David D. •

    Another "scam," but not illegal, is the life insurance companies who will contact you incessantly, unless you are able to block their emails and/or phone numbers. Life insurance companies are ubiquitous, but even the largest, (seemingly) most respectable ones such as Bankers Life, New York Life, and AFLAC, among others, need to continually recruit people because almost everyone who began work for them quit, most often after just a short time of working there. What they are seeking is any person who has a beating heart and has a voice, and hopefully be able to communicate in an educated manner, especially if he/she can be as "pushy" as possible. Scripts are given/required of all employees, which say such things as "Hello, my name is "'__.' I have the information that you were needing (not), concerning your Medicare benefits, and I would like to discuss them with you... I have appointment times available on 'Tuesday at 1:00 and another on Wednesday at 3:00...' which time do you want to meet?" Then the person who received the call, but did not want to be called in the first place, will be pressured to schedule one of the times suggested, not knowing that there is an option to say "Neither one... I'm not interested." This is the sole requirement of a job with a life insurance company. Pressure people so much that they finally give in and sign up for a policy. Pressure as many people as possible every day. On the phone. Or in person. Or via email. It doesn't matter. Just put high pressure on everyone who doesn't hang up the phone, tell you to go away, or delete your email. MY GREATEST ADVICE TO YOU: DO NOT FALL FOR THE PROMISED HIGH INCOME, MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES, OR A JOB WITH "THIS" GROWING COMPANY. THESE ARE NOT JOBS THAT ACTUALLY REQUIRE ANY SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, OR KNOWLEDGE YOU MAY HAVE. PLEASE REFER TO THE REQUIREMENTS I MENTIONED ABOVE, AND DO NOT AGREE TO AN INTERVIEW.

  • JANET S.
    JANET S. •

    Per the Mystery Shopper, there are quite a few grammatical errors. Today I looked at one and one identification they wanted was "Genders"

  • AMANDA K.
    AMANDA K. •

    I have a feeling that there are some recruiters running something through Monster.com via LinkedIn claiming to have an Administrative position for Live Nation. I applied for the position last week (along with about 800 other applicants at the time), and received a call back the following day from a blocked number, asking me to come to an address in Time Square 2 days from then, (no suite number), and very vague call over all. I asked if they could email me a confirmation to confirm, which they said, they suppose they could, and I never go one, so I never showed up. I looked up the address and there is no Live Nation offices in that building, and I would have had no idea who to ask for as no last name was given to me, and the whole thing was rather sketchy.

  • JANET S.
    JANET S. •

    I can't count the number of emails offering a job as a "Mystery Shopper." Let's just say that I know from experience that these are scams, stay far away.

  • Robert G.
    Robert G. •

    Unfortunately these days bad grammar is not a scam gnomon. Although it may be a tipoff that it's from a foreigner, I've seen many communications from perfectly legitimate operators with horrible English, even from natives!

  • Robert G.
    Robert G. •

    Jerome C., mystery shopping is a legitimate business that does involve the shopper's handling others' funds. You have to use judgment about accepting such jobs. See whether the amount of payment is far above scale for the degree of trust one would expect for a person in your position; only mystery shoppers with experience with the contractor will be asked to handle large jobs. Also ask how easy it would be to use this as a money laundering operation; if you're auditing a Western Union office, for instance, you'll be producing a money order that a scammer can very easily use, while if you're checking the service at a service business such as a restaurant, there's no product of that that a swindler can come away with. Of course if you're solicited by a major mystery shopping firm, you should contact them by independent means (not using an address or phone # supplied by the solicitor) to verify that the offer came from them.

  • Wendy T.
    Wendy T. •

    Sally B. I couldn't agree with you more. While I understand that their job description is more of a "wish list" and usually don't expect you to have every skill. It gives the impression they expect you to know how to do the job their way before you ever walk through the door.

  • tracy kimmel
    tracy kimmel •

    Beware of pple from middle east with american names n bad grammer. Huge red flag right there. Scam with them, claiming to be affiliated with blue cross/shield health ins co out of south carolina. But theres a five hr time difference in our emails.

  • Robert G.
    Robert G. •

    What's to be avoided is OVERpayment in advance, where the person doing the ostensible hiring sends far more money than you'll be getting, and asks to be refunded the difference. In such cases you're being used to launder forged instruments. Avoid any situation wherein you're asked to serve as a banker, taking your payment out of a total that you're expected to use for other purposes that include a payment to a particular other party or the sending of a fungible item.

  • Jerome C.
    Jerome C. •

    I received from WestPoint Printing also and when I asked were they legal, I never heard back from them.

  • Jerome C.
    Jerome C. •

    What about Mystery Shopping?

  • KORAC Vladimir
    KORAC Vladimir •

    Very good suggestions, thank you.

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