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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  • Jerome C.
    Jerome C. •

    Great Information . PLEASE keep it coming.

  • Wendy T.
    Wendy T. •

    My first clue that it's a scam is that the they don't use proper grammar. I understand sometimes people make spelling errors or like me, forget to include a word all together. But you can tell by the verb tense and if there are a lot of little errors. Another clue....if it sounds way too good to be true, most likely it is. One more thing, you should never have to pay anything for a legitimate job. Background checks and credit checks are the responsibility of the company offering the job, never the candidate. Good Luck everyone!

  • Robert G.
    Robert G. •

    Contra Katherine D.'s advice, there's nothing wrong with taking payment in advance. I do so, and it's advisable if you want to avoid being owed money at the end by someone who runs out of it partway thru the job.

  • John Johnson
    John Johnson •

    I am very angry about the so-called reputable job sites like Monster and Careerbuilder giving or selling my contact information to various telemarketers and bogus recruiting agencies. It should be illegal. It's certainly unethical.

  • Katherine D.
    Katherine D. •

    Beware of this scam. They need tutoring or petcare and offer 40 an hour and want services 20 hours a week. They are out of the country and their bookkeeper wants to pay you in advance for your service because this dog is their LIFE or whatever. They get your bank info and launder drug money or fraud in other ways. Your good credit is RUINED. Never take payment in advance. When I refuse this, I never hear from them again.

  • Martin K.
    Martin K. •

    I was scammed by an individual named Gilbert Brooks claiming to be from a company called KM Trading gmbh. It was a very attractive offer where he paid off my credit card so that I could purchase items($100 dollar iTunes gift cards) Needless to say all the charges were return to my credit card and I am now $25,000 dollars in debt. I contacted my local police dept and now I need to speak with a detective. Please beware of these scammers.

  • Margaret R.
    Margaret R. •

    Sounds great. I am on the watch.

  • Barbara Zanzano
    Barbara Zanzano •

    Yep, I only work with reputable known recruiters. Another caveat is the scammers want to chat with you via Yahoo Messenger, Thanks for the helpful information.

  • Anthony M.
    Anthony M. •

    Sorry to say but some Indian Recruiters are too aggressive asking for personal info like full SSN, D/L or GC copy even before they provide the JD. They insist that's what the Employer wants before hiring. It's too risky.

  • Cheryl Fleisher
    Cheryl Fleisher •

    I lost $2300 in a job scam conducted in the name of CVS Health and would like to call them out on it. Any suggestions?

  • PAUL CLARRY
    PAUL CLARRY •

    A degree does not equal knowledge, You can have a BA and not be able to wipe your own rectum. They need to take experience into account as someone can have more than 10 years experience and not have a BA

  • Lucynda Adjei-Appoh
    Lucynda Adjei-Appoh •

    Thank you, will be keeping our eyes wide open!

  • Sally B.
    Sally B. •

    I really employers need to be more realistic about job descriptions. I have solid experience in my field and so many descriptions -- duties and qualifications -- expect you to walk on water. Jobs change over time. I just "retired" -- well, my bosses retired -- after six years with a job that was very different from when I started. Technology changed, even during that relatively short period of time, and I learned many new skills in the process. Employers should look for candidates who are adaptable and eager to learn, and prospective employees express their desire to learn and grow and build on their existing skills.

  • Caretta J.
    Caretta J. •

    I got taken by a company named WestPoint Printing Services (beware). They sent packages to my home, I wrapped them with wrapping paper they provided, printed the label, then took it to my local local post office. There were no upfront fees for me but they told me I would get my first, plus bonuses after a 21-day trial period. After the 21-day trial period the company didn't pay me and cut off all communication. I was devestated because I was suppose to receive well over $2700 for busting my chops and it left me in a terrible spot.

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson •

    @Scott that is one of mine, too. It is unfortunate but, just like job seekers like to keep their identify anonymous, companies feel the same way. They want to know that you are interested in the position first and then, if they are interested in return, they will reveal themselves.

  • Scott D.
    Scott D. •

    my biggest issue is, when they post what the job duties are but fail to mention the name of the company or where it's located.

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson •

    @Tahir sometimes it is hard to tell if it's genuine or a scam. When I see a questionable job, I will try to find it on other job posting sites because, normally, if it's a scam, they will only post on one site - especially if they have to pay to have the job posted. Do some research on your own. There are a lot of sites that follow these scam jobs and will let you know right away to stay away. Try doing a search on the company and see what comes up - such as Complaints on ABC Company. Check with the BBB in your area to see if any complaints were registered with them. But honestly - if you look at the posting, you will more than likely see spelling errors or the wording will sound a bit off because they used an online translation software that doesn't translate it very smoothly. Check for the company here @Beyond or try looking them up on LinkedIn or other sites. My experience has been that if the posting talks about shipping and receiving - RUN!!!!

  • TAHIR A.
    TAHIR A. •

    Ok then how do you know if it a genuine or a scam

  • Mike Elawar
    Mike Elawar •

    Thanks for the heads up

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