Job scams are on the rise – and they’re getting trickier. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new position, looking for a side hustle, or helping a loved one navigate the job market, it’s more important than ever to know how to spot the red flags of a job scam.
Here’s what you need to know to spot a job scam and avoid them.
Common Signs of a Job Scam
- You’re offered a job without an interview. Legitimate employers want to get to know you first. If someone offers you a job right after seeing your resume – or without even asking for one – it’s a big red flag.
- You’re asked to pay money upfront. You should NEVER have to pay to get a job. Be wary if they ask you to pay for training, equipment, background checks, or anything else.
- The job promises big pay for little work. If the pay seems high for the amount of work required, be cautious. Scammers often dangle big dollars signs to get your attention.
- They have strange requests. Do their communications have poor grammar or spelling? Are they asking you to pay up front with gift cards, crypto, or payments apps? Are they requesting personal details such as your birthday or Social Security number before you’ve even accepted the job? These are all major warning signs the job offer is a scam.
How to Protect Yourself (or Your Loved Ones)
- Do your research. Search for the company name online an include words like “review” or “scam” to see if others have had problems.
- Never pay to get a job. Legitimate employers will never ask you to pay to get a job. They will never send you a check and tell you send some of the money back. That’s a scam. The check is fake.
- Keep your personal information private. Don’t share your bank info, birthdate, driver’s license, or Social Security number until you’ve had a proper interview and verified the company is legitimate.
- Talk to someone you trust. When in doubt, talk it out with a friend, family member, or colleague. A second opinion can help you avoid a bad situation.
Don’t keep these helpful tips to yourself. Scammers often target people who are especially vulnerable – seniors, young adults, or those urgently looking for work. Talk to your loved ones about these signs to help them stay alert. If someone you know is excited about a new opportunity, help them research the company to be sure it’s legitimate. A few minutes of research can prevent heartache and financial loss.
Too late? If you think you (or a loved one) have already been the target of a job scam, take these steps to stop any further damage.
- Stop all communication immediately.
- Contact your bank and/or any company you used to send money right away. Tell them about the scam and see if you can get your money back or stop payments.
- Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Run antivirus software if you clicked on any suspicious links or opened attachments.
Bottom line: If something seems to good to be true, it probably is. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. A little caution goes a long way when it comes to protecting yourself – and the people you care about. Our team of Alliance Bankers are always here to be a sounding board and trusted resource for you. Call us at (888) 567-2101 or stop by your local Alliance Bank office.
