Cyber-Security Resources

It’s no surprise that job application scams are on the rise – including some that can look authentic at first glance. Scammers are working overtime to try to hook you with fake job offers.

Looking for a job? Internet job boards make it easy to network and discover great opportunities. Unfortunately, they also make it easier for scammers looking to make a quick buck – and steal your personal information.

Each year, tens of millions of Americans search for a new job. Thus, it’s no surprise that job application scams are on the rise – including some that can look authentic at first glance.

In this article, we’ll look at common job application scams, red flags to watch out for, and ways to stay safe.

3 Common Job Application Scams

Here are three ways that fraudsters may try to appear as employers in order to get your money, your data – or both!

1. Paying to Start a Job
   In this scam, you may be asked to purchase materials or merchandise to assemble, sell, or advertise. Or they’ll demand an upfront fee for job placement or training. A legitimate employer will never ask you to transfer money from your account or buy something from a specific site. If someone asks you to do this, it’s a scam.
   
   
2. Phishing for Your Data
   Criminals use phishing to get your personal information. In this job scam, crooks might ask you for your Social Security number or passport number very early in the application process. They may also say they need your bank account details to set up payroll before you receive an offer of employment in writing. Their goal is to obtain sensitive information that can be used to commit identity theft. Remember: Never share personal information until you’ve verified that the job offer is legitimate.
   
   Scammers might also prompt you to download documents or files related to the advertised job. Don’t do it! These files can contain malicious programs designed to capture private information or hold your files for ransom.
   
   
3. Handling Stolen Goods
   A scammer may also try to get you to handle stolen goods. Beware of any work from home opportunities that involve transferring or forwarding goods or money. They might have been obtained illegally. The criminals are using you to cover their tracks, making you an unwitting accomplice.

Watch Out for These Red Flags

When you’re job hunting, watch out for these red flags that could indicate you’re being scammed:

• The job involves handling money or merchandise from unknown sources. Steer clear of these. They are likely reshipping or reselling scams.
  
  
• The job posting or email contains strange language or lacks information. You might get an email like this: “WellKnownCompany is seeking for a Remote Administrative Assistant.…” Poor grammar or typos are dead giveaways of a scam.

• The list is vague or lacks the company’s name and location. If the listing or communication doesn’t include information about where a company is located, be skeptical.

• The recruiter uses a personal email address. You might get an email or text like this: “I’m a recruiter from WellKnownCompany…You can reach me at [email protected].” Hit the escape button! A legitimate recruiter will always use the company email address, not a personal account. Don’t reply. It’s a scam.

• They make unrealistic promises. The representative makes unrealistic promises about how much money you can make. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• They are overly eager to hire. If the employer seems overly eager to hire you – making you an offer before you’ve even interviewed or shown why you’d be qualified for the job, it’s a definite red flag. 

Here are some specific phrases to watch out for:

• “Your background would be perfect for this role….” Be skeptical. Legitimate recruiters generally won’t say something this generic. They will reference something very specific about your background and how it relates to the job.
  
  
• “Upon review of your resume, we’ve decided that you’re perfect for this job! Congratulations, we’d like to make you an offer….” If you receive this without even an interview, you can bet it’s a scam. A legitimate employer would not work this way.
  
  
• “As part of the application process, we need some background information from you, including your Social Security number, bank account….” Don’t fall for it! No legitimate recruiter or employer would ever ask for this information as part of the application process.
  
  
• “Click on this link to begin the application process….” If you’re directed to do this, hover over the link before clicking on it and you’ll be able to see the URL. If it doesn’t point to the real company website, don’t click!

How You Can Protect Yourself

Fraudsters can be tricky. Here are some ways to stay safe from job scams:

• Research the company. Run a search with the company name plus the terms “scam,” “complaint,” and “reviews.”
• If you found a listing on a job board, look for it on the company’s own website, or call the company to verify that the job is real.
• Never pay for a job opportunity.
• Never share your Social Security number, banking information, or other sensitive data before you’ve received, verified, and accepted a job offer.

What to Do if You’re a Victim of a Scam

Take fast action!

• Call your financial institution immediately if you’ve sent money or provided account information to a scammer.
• Contact the job board or social media site where you encountered the scam.
• File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.FTC.gov.

When looking for employment, it’s best to use safe and reliable sources so you can be confident the job is legit. Remember these tips – and put scammers out of work! To learn more about protecting your personal information or managing your finances, talk to one of our bankers today.