Part-time employment opportunities increase around the holidays. Wherever there is a scramble to get something done quickly and there’s money involved, there are scams.
Many jobs are posted online and require an application process, so how do you know you’re dealing with a legitimate employers?
Job scam warning signs.
- You are offered a job without an application, an interview, or sometimes even any contact with the employer.
- You are asked to wire money for inventory or some other up-front fee for a work-at-home sales job.
- The employer request your Social Security number, driver’s license number or any other sensitive personal information too early in the hiring process.
- You are offered big money for little work—i.e., dream job, too good to be true.
- A credit report is necessary, which requires your Social Security number (the skeleton key for identity-related fraud), and then they ask you for a processing fee.
- You have to pay for the training necessary to do the job.
- You are asked to cash a check and forward money to a third party.
- Details about the job including responsibilities, hours and compensation are vague or unclear.
Check Glassdoor for reviews of the employer. This won’t always work, but it’s a good place to start.
Research the company online making sure they have a web presence with contact information, and check to see if there is any negative information about the company online. Read reviews. Check social media for the company’s name as well. And for good measure, see if they are in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.
Remember that if you call a good scammer, you will not know it. Be careful. If you are asked for anything that could get you robbed—bank account numbers, mother’s maiden name or anything else that could be used as a security question—consider yourself targeted, and take evasive measures.
