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With the online job search, it is always wise to be wary of job scams. Many of these positions may appear to be authentic at first, but with a second glance there may be warning signs of a scam. Scammers often use fake job postings to collect personal information, steal money, or trick people into providing sensitive details. No job should ask you to spend any of your personal money on checks or gift cards, even when offering reimbursements.
Remote Positions
When considering remote positions, it’s important to be cautious of potential scams. Before applying, make sure to research the company. A legitimate company should have an online presence, such as Glassdoor reviews, news articles, or social media accounts. You can also check and see if they have a physical location.
Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, such as an unusually high pay or excessive benefits. It is very challenging to find a high paying job unless you have a direct connection with the company.
Email Job Scams
Another common type of scam involves the scammer directly messaging you with a random job offer for a position you did not apply for. If you receive such a suspicious email, it is important to:
- Verify that the email address is professional
- Assess whether the email asks for sensitive personal information
- Note if the job description is vague or lacks specificity
This tactic is particularly effective when candidates have submitted numerous applications and may not recall every one. If you are unsure whether you applied for a particular position, review your application history to be certain.
Multi-Level Marketing Schemes
If a job involves going door-to-door selling merchandise or selling directly to a person, then it is most likely a multi-level marketing scheme. These groups make extravagant claims about flexible hours, independent work, and big profits. However, people who join these groups make little to no money. In the worst cases, people lose not only money, but time and experience.
Concerns and Questions
Do not feel ashamed if you have fallen for a job scam. The Better Business Bureau states that an estimated 14 million people are exposed to employment scams every year. If you ever find yourself wondering if you have received an email scam and want a second opinion, the Career Center offers career advice and support. The Career Center has drop in support Monday-Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm or you can send an email to career@missouri.edu.
By Ana B.