Ghosted by a Fake Job Posting?

Looking for a hybrid job opportunity or one with greater flexibility increases your risk to be scamed The reality is fake job offers lead to more than disappointment -  they usually wind up as ploys to steal innocent targets’ money and even border on the criminal. But don’t let that stop you from your mission to find the perfect role with your criteria. We have some real life exercises you can employ to identify a job scam.  But first, some insights.

Job scams are on the rise since 2020 and what complicates the situation is how sophisticated job scammers have become - creating emails and websites that appear to be bonafide mimicking a real  Oftentimes they come as an email with an unsolicited offer that includes the opportunity to apply or even interview for a great paying job that highlights your preferences - flexible hours and remote work. This is, of course, phishing at its best.

We can help - Here are five common scenarios that scream - SCAM 

1. Phishing emails and a Job 

These emails may seem like they are offering a job but in actuality are after more valued personal information and may even entice you to click a more dangerous link. These emails look legit as if they came from a trusted company but clicking a link promising more details about the job or opening an attachment can lead you to infect your computer.

2. Gathering your personal information

Once you’re hired it's customary to share personal information that includes your social security number or banking information for direct deposit wage payment.  Scams that rush you to provide this information are a clear give away to a fake hiring process.  Naturally, once you offer this information, the scammers use it for illicit purposes. Beware!

3. It’s a fake job

Another scenario occurs when a company reaches out to you with an opportunity to work remotely.  They talk about the technical equipment you’ll need for the job including a laptop and other support equipment for success on the job. After signing a “contract” you receive a cashier’s check to purchase these required tools from a specific vendor. Once you have followed these instructions you find out the check never cleared and the equipment never comes. The lesson learned is that the vendor was a front for the scammer and you are out your hard earned money.

4. A Simple Job - Receive & Reship

If remote work is your thing - this is the ultimate logistics job.  This scam is centered around receiving packages, repackaging and reshipping them. This role seems more prevalent during holiday seasons and gift-giving when stolen merchandise is re-routed across the globe. Clearly, unintentional or not, you are falling prey to a criminal situation.

5. Data Entry - Simple Enough

You receive a fake job offer doing data entry. Yes, there are legit jobs for data entry work in the marketplace - this scam is different. This role is unusually highly compensated and requires few qualifications. The outlier is that you are required to make an upfront payment for processing or training with a guarantee for reimbursement in your first paycheck. After your training no check arrives and the employer has vanished in thin air.

NOW FOR THE BEST: HOW TO KNOW IF A JOB POSTING IS A SCAM

1. It sounds too good to be true

2. There is a false sense of urgency

3. Receiving, repackaging and reshipping products

4. Spelling or grammar mistakes in the company name

5. The email comes from a personal Gmail, Yahoo or other private email account

6. Hiring process is too simple and too fast

7. You’re asked to pay for something from your bank account

8. You’re asked to provide personal information

9. You’re offered a job without providing a resume

10. You have not met anyone from the organization

There are a lot more ways to arm yourself from becoming a victim -

call me - I can help!