Finding a job can be tough, especially for a college student with limited time and experience. But remember to carefully evaluate all job postings, interviews, and offers. There are criminals and scam artists who may prey upon your money, physical safety and personal information. Career Services wants to help you avoid scams and find meaningful employment.
Fraudulent postings: Red flags
- The job seems too good to be true!
- You are asked to send money or cash checks.
- Bank account, credit card, social security number or other personal data is requested up front.
- The site advertises “secret” job postings for a fee.
- Poorly written and/or vague job descriptions that focus on how much money you can make.
- Email address of contact person doesn’t match company domain name.
- The company doesn’t have a legitimate website.
- Interviewing in a suspicious or dangerous locale.
Research companies
When you search the employer’s phone number or email address and they do not appear connected to an actual organization, this is a red flag.
Review a company’s website and check to see if it has an index that tells you what the site is about or if it contains information only about the job you are interested in. Scammers often create quick, basic web pages that seem legitimate at first glance.
You can check to see if a company is legitimate by using these websites:
Handshake
While the Career Center reviews employers and positions and the Handshake platform includes a Trust & Safety Team, fraudulent activity can still occasionally occur.
If you have questions or suspect any Handshake job or employer of unethical or criminal behavior, immediately report it to the Career Center. Our staff will take action and investigate the posting and related employer. Remember that your report will effectively protect other students from harm.