Searching for a job? Before you click “Apply,” take a closer look. Knowing the warning signs can help you avoid a scam that could cost you money, or your personal information.
When you're looking for work, finding a promising job posting can be exciting. Unfortunately, scammers know that job seekers may be eager for an opportunity, and they use fake job postings to steal money or personal information. Before you apply for your next position, take a few minutes to make sure the opportunity, and the person offering it, is legitimate.
Start by looking closely at the job posting. Be cautious of positions that promise unusually high pay for very little work, guarantee employment, or require little to no experience for a position that typically requires specialized skills. Poor spelling and grammar, vague job descriptions, or a recruiter who won't provide basic details about the company can also be warning signs. You can research the company independently and check whether the position appears on its official website.
Be especially careful about how you're asked to communicate or provide information. A legitimate employer may contact you by email, phone or through a job-search website, but be wary if someone immediately moves the conversation to an unfamiliar messaging app or uses a personal email address while claiming to represent a large company. Never provide your Social Security number, bank account information, passwords or other sensitive information simply because someone says it's needed to "start the hiring process."
Never pay to get a job. A common job scam involves asking applicants to pay for equipment, training, background checks or other expenses before they can begin working. Another red flag is being sent a check and instructed to deposit it, purchase gift cards or send part of the money somewhere else. If someone sends you money and asks you to send some of it back, stop and verify the situation before doing anything with the funds.
Finally, trust your instincts and take your time. Scammers often create a sense of urgency, hoping you'll act before you have a chance to investigate. If an opportunity seems too good to be true, the hiring process feels unusual, or you're being pressured to provide personal or financial information, step back and do some research. A legitimate employer should understand your desire to verify an opportunity before moving forward.
Finding a new job can be stressful enough without having to worry about becoming the target of a scam. Taking a few extra minutes to research an employer and recognize the warning signs can help protect both your personal information and your money while you search for your next opportunity.