Beware of Job Scammers
A client recently sent me a screenshot of a text message he had received. It went something like this:
We’ve received your resume and are very impressed. Several recruiters have also recommended you. We would like to offer you a job you can do from home in your free time. Daily pay ranges from $300-$900, and you will be paid daily via direct deposit. Please contact us via WhatsApp.
This, dear readers, is an example of a job scammer. A job scam is a fraudulent work offer intended to mislead people seeking legitimate employment. Often, the objective of scammers is to deceive job seekers into giving money, divulging personal information, or providing free labor. When looking for a new job, distinguishing between a scam and a valid opportunity can keep you safe and spare you a great deal of hassle.
Some of the most common scams include the following:
AI-generated jobs and companies. AI can be used to create fake job postings and company websites. As always, be alert when reviewing jobs and companies to ensure the information is aligned. Reverse searching can help avoid fake sites and job postings.
Cryptocurrency exchanges/Ponzi schemes. If you’re being promised huge profits with little risk for a small investment, it’s likely a scam. The scammers are probably looking for your banking or credit card information.
Work from home jobs. Scammers are aware of the rising popularity of remote work and target such candidates with work-from-home job scams. Often, the scam involves persuading a job seeker to pay a fee or purchase items.
Shipping schemes. The scammer offers an attractive salary for repackaging and reshipping goods, plus compensation for shipping fees. In most cases, the candidate ships potentially stolen items and pays for the shipping fees without the promised compensation or salary. This also constitutes mail fraud, which is a federal crime.
Equipment purchases. Many scammers ask job seekers to send money for equipment needed to perform the job and state that they’ll be reimbursed in their first paycheck.
Fake job listings. These listings typically ask candidates to pay a fee to complete their application or to get started in the role.
Some warning signs that the job offer you’re entertaining may be a scam include:
A recruiter contacts you out of the blue via text message or encrypted message platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram.
You are told you can earn a high income while working from home and with little effort.
The hiring process is quick. There’s no interview or discussion about your qualifications, experience, and references.
You are told to top up an account with your money or cryptocurrency to complete tasks.
The job involves transferring money, making purchases, or receiving packages on behalf of someone else.
You are required to pay a “recruitment fee” or pay for training materials before you begin the job and make any money.
Never send money or give your personal information, credit card, or bank account details to anyone you have only met online, via email or phone. Scammers may trick you by giving you a small payment for completing a job or task. Never send your own money; you won’t get it back. Don’t act in haste. A legitimate job offer comes after proper vetting by both parties involved. If the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
For more information on job scams and how to avoid them, visit the Federal Trade Commission website.