The Basics of Job Scams
There are many different types of job opportunity scams, but they all have one thing in common: they’re designed to steal your personal information or money. Some scams involve offers of fake jobs, usually promising high salaries and quick start dates. Others pose as employers or recruiters, asking for your personal information or financial data as part of the application process. And still others promise to help you find a job, for a fee. These scams are typically crafted to look like legitimate job opportunities, but they’re actually designed to steal your money or personal information.
3 Common Tactics Used by Job Opportunity Scammers
There are several common tactics that scammers use to trick people into giving them money or personal information, such as:
- Posting a job ad on a legitimate job board or website. They may also reach out to potential victims directly, through email or social media.
- Promising a high salary or hourly wage, often above market rate, for a job that does not require much skill. They may also offer other perks, such as health insurance or a signing bonus.
- Posing as a representative of a well-known company or organization. They may use a fake company name or logo, or claim to be hiring on behalf of a well-known company.
Common Types of Job Scams
- You’re asked to pay a fee upfront in order to secure a job. The fee could be for things like training, equipment, or background checks.
- Scammers promise you a great work-from-home opportunity, usually involving some sort of commission-based sales.
- You’re recruited to sell products or services for a company, and then you’re promised commissions for every person you recruit to do the same.
- Scammers pose as employment agencies or headhunters, promising to help you find a great job for a fee.
- Scammer sends you a check for too much. They’ll tell you to keep part of the money for your work and send the rest to someone else.