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Looking for a job can be a challenging process, from searching for openings to sending out resumes and interviewing. However, a growing trend of scammers posing as recruiters is making the job hunt even more difficult.
In the past year, job scams have been on the rise, according to Eva Velasquez, president and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center. As most job seekers rely on online platforms for employment, scammers take advantage by impersonating companies and recruiters to deceive people into providing money or personal information.
“We’ve seen a significant increase in job scams,” Velasquez said. “This is likely due to the shift in how we recruit and hire individuals.”
One victim of such a scam is Tehseen Islam, a 28-year-old quality assurance analyst. After searching for a job for several months, she thought she had received an offer from a reputable marketing technology company. However, it turned out to be a scam.
Islam went through a week-long process that included filling out an online form with interview screening questions. She was then offered the job and received a check. She was asked to deposit the check and send $1,000 to cover the shipment of equipment for the job.
A few days later, her bank informed her that the check had bounced and, as it appeared she was cooperating with scammers, they were terminating their banking relationship with her. This is when she realized she had fallen victim to a job scam.
“I’m still shaken from the experience,” said Islam, who lost $1,000 and unknowingly shared personal information with scammers.
If you are a job seeker, here are some recommendations from experts on how to avoid falling prey to job scammers:
Understand how job scams operate
Job scams are a type of impersonation scam where scammers use the name of an employee from a well-known company to create job postings that seem legitimate. One red flag is that scammers often make the job sound extremely appealing, offering high salaries for relatively low-skilled work and promoting the position as 100% remote, which is attractive to many job seekers.
Some scammers post fake job listings, while others directly contact job seekers through messages or texts. If scammers are looking to steal personal information, they may request details like your Social Security number and driver’s license information through forms.
Legitimate employers typically only ask for your skills, work experience, and contact information at the beginning of the process. Other personal details should only be shared after receiving a job offer.
Tips for spotting scams
Whether you are responding to a job posting or a recruiter, it is essential to research the company, especially if you did not initiate the communication. Fake recruiters often contact job seekers through social media or text messages. Before responding, verify the identity of the recruiter or company.
Here are some tips for researching the recruiter or company:
– Avoid responding immediately to messages.
– Check if the company has current job openings on their official website.
– Look up the recruiter’s name and verify their social media presence.
– If the company has job openings listed on their website, apply directly through the official platform.
Avoid responding or clicking on links
If you receive a message from a recruiter, refrain from responding unless you are certain of their credibility. Avoid clicking on any links provided, whether to apply for a job or fill out a questionnaire.
In Islam’s case, the scammers sent her a form with interview questions that requested personal information.
Do not deposit checks
Scammers often send fake checks as signing bonuses and then ask you to send back a portion of the money to cover expenses. This is a common tactic used by scammers to steal money from job seekers, according to Alvaro Puig, a consumer education specialist at the Federal Trade Commission.
“If you deposit a fake check, your account will initially show the funds. However, the bank will later discover it was a fake check,” Puig explained.
If you withdraw money from your account and send it to the scammer, it will be impossible to retrieve the funds once the bank confirms the check is fake.
Exercise caution with job openings
When searching for jobs on platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed, be vigilant about the job listings and recruiters you trust. While these platforms are reputable and many job postings are legitimate, not all opportunities are verified by the companies. This creates an opening for scammers to post fake job listings and deceive job seekers.
“Do not let reputable platforms lend credibility to unverified sources,” Velasquez advised.
After her encounter with job scammers, Islam has become more cautious when considering job openings. She now follows a set of steps, such as verifying a recruiter’s email through free tools like Emailable or Clearout, and contacting the company directly.
“This has added extra time to my job search, but I cannot blindly trust that someone is who they claim to be,” Islam shared.
Report the scam
If you or a family member falls victim to a job scam, it is important to report it on the FTC’s website.
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The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to enhance financial literacy. The independent foundation is distinct from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP bears sole responsibility for its journalism.
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