Is it a Legitimate Job Offer or a Scam?
According to the FTC, in the second quarter of 2022 alone, Americans lost $86 million in fake business and job opportunity scams.
The median amount lost? $1,988, also reported by the FTC.
In a busy, competitive job market, how can you tell if the job is real or a scam in disguise? Most job offer scams rely on fake checks, where the scammer convinces you to deposit a fraudulent check for office equipment or shipping fees. While the balance may be quickly available, it takes some time for banks to recognize that the check is bogus. By the time the bank has unraveled the trail, the scammer gets away with the money, and you’re stuck reimbursing the bank.
It’s a numbers game—scammers are slick, and they’re looking for anyone who might take the bait of a high-paying job offer. To help keep you safe, we’ve compiled a list of 10 signs that a job offer might be a scam.
10 Job Scam Red Flags
1. Communication Is Initiated By Someone Else
Most job offer scams start with the threat actor reaching out to you with an “exciting opportunity.” Often, it’s a remote position with a higher-than-average salary. They’re hoping that by putting out the bait, you’ll get caught in the trap.
If someone reaches out to you via email because they found your resume on a site like Glassdoor or Indeed, that’s one of the telltale signs of job offer scams. Contact the company directly if you think the job opportunity is legitimate. Learn more about recognizing red flags in email.
On a social networking platform like LinkedIn, legitimate recruiters may reach out to you with opportunities; however, you should research the company and complete job applications through the company’s website to exchange information directly.
2. Job Isn’t Listed on Company’s Website
If a company has a job opening, it will most likely be listed on its website. Most major companies have current openings or careers pages listing active opportunities.
Scammers will often target victims with job opportunities like “Data Entry Clerk” or “Remote Office Assistant” because these positions are broad enough that most companies likely have a similar position on staff. Most likely, the scam position will be listed on a job board like Indeed or Glassdoor but not on the company’s actual website.
When in doubt, contact the organization via its website, phone number, or email address to verify that the job you’re applying for exists.
3. Salary Seems High for the Position
Keep in mind that the scammer’s goal here is to obtain your personal and banking information—they’re going to make the fake position look as attractive as possible. Compared to legitimate opportunities, job scams will typically have higher advertised salaries than what’s typical in the market. They may also include things like sign-on bonuses and reimbursement for home office equipment.
4. Job Post Has Grammatical Errors
Most legitimate job posts look professional. On the other hand, scam job posts are typically riddled with errors, made with a noticeable template, or don’t sound natural. Be on the lookout for job titles in quotes or parentheses—for example, “data entry clerk” or (office worker).
It’s always a safe bet to google blocks of text from the position to see if it’s been copied from legitimate opportunities.
5. All Communication Is Done Via Instant Messenger
When you apply for a job, how do you expect to hear from the hiring company as you move through the hiring process?
Typically, you can expect a combination of emails, phone calls, and video meetings with the company recruiting. Likewise, these forms of communication are easy to research and verify.
Be wary of any hiring contact that asks you to download an instant message app to complete the interview process. Instant messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp make it easy for scammers to create fake accounts and pose as legitimate companies.
6. Process of Getting Hired Seems Too Easy
Most companies have a well-defined hiring process that involves multiple touchpoints. Organizations also need time to perform their end of the hiring process—things like background checks, reference checks, etc. The hiring process can take days, weeks, or even months, depending on the organization and role.
In most scams, they’re quick to “hire” you. The process may seem immediate or way too easy—after all, they’re trying to get your money before you catch on. During the process, the scammer will likely respond very quickly when responding or act convincingly to persuade you into providing information.
7. You’re Asked for Personal or Banking Information Right Away
Any job paying you via direct deposit will need your banking information eventually — but that’s usually way down the line in the hiring process. It’s not the first thing asked for. In the same vein, legitimate jobs don’t typically pay your salary by gift cards.
During the interview process, treat your personal information like it’s the precious asset that it is. Never share pictures of your bank information.
8. You’re Asked To Send Money
Never should the hiring company ask you to pay money to get the job. Likewise, they shouldn’t ask you to make purchases for reimbursement or buy gift cards. Never send banking information or screenshots of account information, including deposit limits, via email or instant messenger.
9. Your Contact Isn’t Associated With the Company
When someone contacts you about a job opportunity, do your research. Most recruiting professionals are active in online communities like LinkedIn, or the position is listed on the company’s website. Additionally, your communication with them should be with a legitimate channel, like a company email address — be wary of offers from email addresses with @gmail, @hotmail, or @yahoo domain names since anyone can make one.
10. All Communication Is Via Text
Most companies will contact you through multiple channels during the hiring process. Your conversation may start with an email, but you’ll also have phone calls and interviews, whether in-person or via video call.
Scammers try their best to disguise their identities. Googling any numbers that they contact you with can be helpful too. Learn how to find what you want faster on Google.
How To Ensure You’re Applying for Legitimate Job Offers
First, always research job opportunities via the company’s website. Most companies have active opportunities listed on a careers page or recruitment portal. Where appropriate, complete job applications and submit information via the company’s website. Don’t send personal information or banking information via email or instant messenger.
Always cross-reference recruiter names and company details. Usually, a quick Google search can tell you if the person is legitimate or a threat actor. When in doubt, contact the company directly. While Googling, research similar positions to see how the responsibilities, requirements, and salaries compare.
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