Are you currently on a search for a new job? If you are, you may be using the internet, as well as your local newspapers to find job openings. While these are both great way to find job openings that you are qualified for, as well as apply for those jobs, you need to remember to be on the lookout for scams.
Despite what you may believe, there are scams that are sometimes referred to as job hunting scams, career scams, or employment scams. These scams are run by those who are looking to profit from someone’s need to find a job. Although it is horrifying, it is something that does happen. That is why you need to be on the lookout for scams, when searching for and applying for new jobs. As a reminder, you need to remember that these employment scams not only take place online; many scams are starting to make their way to newspaper employment sections.
When it comes to avoiding job scams, it is best if you know what to be on the lookout for. One of the most common scams associated with job hunting involves the requirement of a deposit. This deposit is most commonly associated with work-at-home opportunities, but not always. These types of scams work when an “employer,” or a scammer says that a deposit is needed to start working for them. This deposit may be used for supplies, training materials, or just because. What you need to remember is that you should never have to pay to get a job. You should be paid to work, not the other way around. Yes, you may need to buy certain pieces of clothing or other needed supplies, but you should be able to make your own purchase, from anywhere you want.
Another type of scam that you will want to be on the look for is employment scams that are just out to get your personal information. As with deposit employment scams, these types of scams are most commonly associated with work at home jobs, but they are not limited to them. These types of scams work by having you hired for a job, any type of job, but one that doesn’t really exist. The only thing is that most typically don’t know that the job doesn’t exist. The “employer,” in question will then ask you to fill out required working papers or provide you bank account information for direct deposit. Once the “employer,” or scammer in question has your personal account information, you will likely never see or hear from them again. However, you may find yourself with an identity theft problem.
One of the best ways to avoid falling victim to an employment scam is by using your best judgment. If a job opportunity sounds too good to be true, chances are it is. You will want to be cautious of any job opportunity that requires paying a deposit to become an employee or a job listing that wants your personal information before you even know exactly what you would be doing. Be on the lookout for common scams, ones that state only a certain number of openings are left, ones that have 1-800 numbers for contact information, and such.
By keeping the above mentioned points in mind, you are more likely to find a legitimate career opportunity or job than you are to fall victim to an employment scam. As a reminder, use your best judgment.
How to Spot Employment Scams
There is such a thing as an employment scam. The good news is that many employment scams are easy to spot, especially when you know what to look for.
When it comes to being on the lookout for employment scams, it is extremely important that you remember employment scams are not only found online. While these scams are more common online, many employment scams are making their way to local newspapers, possibly even your local newspaper. That is why you always need to be on the lookout for employment scams; you should never let your guard down.
As for spotting an employment scam, which is also commonly referred to as a job listing scam, there are a number of points that you will want to be on the lookout for. Perhaps, the biggest red flag is when you are required to putdown a deposit to apply for a job or to get hired. If you are thinking that it is suspicious, you are right. Many people are so desperate for a job that they don’t realize that they shouldn’t have to pay to work; it should actually be the other way around. No matter what excuses you are given, like that your deposit would be used to process your application or pay for your training materials, do not fall for it. Under no circumstances should you pay an employer to let you work for them.
Another easy way that you can spot an employment scam is by examining the information given to you in a job listing. For instance, most legitimate business opportunities or job listings will be full of information. Whether the job listing is for a local job or work-at-home job, you should be able to get information on the type of job available, a little bit of background information on the company in question, qualifications needed, as well as information on how to go about applying for the job. Employment scams often provide as little information as possible. You will want to be on the lookout for job listings just that encourage you to “act fact, as only five more positions available,H or something else along those lines. Never apply for a job without knowing exactly what you would be doing first.
One of the reasons why you are advised against apply for a job that you don’t really know much about is because many job applications request your social security number. Your social security number in the wrong hands can result in a bad, costly situation. The requesting of a blank check, for direct deposit, is another red flag that you should be able to spot. If you are hired to work for a well-known company, one that is either local or online, direct deposit is okay, but you should never signup for direct deposit because you are required to do so, especially if you are trying a new work-at-home opportunity.
The above mentioned red flags are red flags that you should always be on the lookout for and avoid. In all honesty, you may be able to search for and find legitimate job opportunities or examine a large number of job listings without every coming across an employment scam, but it is still best if you are prepared for it all.
