Issued October 2023

Avoiding Job Scams

The Better Business Bureau states that job scams make Americans lose $2 billion annually. Job scams appear more prevalent and are starting to appear on professional employment websites with job listings. Here are some general guidelines to consider when applying for jobs:

Information about Scams

Protecting yourself against Job Scams- General Tips:

Red Flags

General Tips

What to do if you are scammed:

  • If you fall victim to a job scam, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-382-4357. The website is ReportFraud.ftc.gov. There is a video on how to file a report.

  • It is also recommended that you alert the source (I.e., social media forum, job board) where the scam appeared to help prevent further scammers.

  • You can report spam or phishing email messages in Outlook.

  • You can contact your bank to notify them that you may have been a victim of identity theft.

  • Request a freeze on all your bank accounts and order new debit cards.

  • Update your passwords for all your online accounts.

    • When you may have unintentionally shared information, scammers can use that information to bypass your security questions to gain access to your accounts.

References

 How To Avoid Fraudulent Job Scams. (n.d.). FSU. https://www.framingham.edu/student-life/student-experience-and-career-development/career-development/how-to-avoid-job-scams/

Job scams. (2023, September 8). Consumer Advice. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams#examples

Kelly, J. (2023, June 1). Fake Job Scams Are Becoming More Common—Here’s How To Protect Yourself. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2023/06/01/fake-job-scams-are-becoming-more-common-heres-how-to-protect-yourself/?sh=142ba6f218f6

Knowles, M. (2023). Is This Job For Real? Welcome to the World Of Job Scams and How to Avoid Becoming the Next Victim. All About Cookies. https://allaboutcookies.org/how-to-avoid-job-scams

Phr, K. P. (2023, July 21). 17 Common Job Scams and How To Protect Yourself. Indeed.com. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/job-scams

Salai, S. (2023, January 27). Remote work scams target laid-off Americans with fake interviews. The Washington Times. https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/jan/27/remote-work-scams-target-laid-americans-fake-inter/

Today, J. C. T. J. U. (2023, July 18). Searching LinkedIn or Indeed? Here’s how to avoid job scams: Ask HR. USA TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/columnist/2023/07/18/how-to-avoid-job-scams/70411911007/

Vasel, K. (2022, June 8). Job scams are on the rise. Watch out for these red flags. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/08/success/job-scams/index.html