Employment Scams

DATCP receives regular reports of job/employment scams. There are multiple online platforms that allow employers to post job listings, and potential employees to search for job opportunities. While most activity on these websites is legitimate, sometimes scammers break site rules and post convincing, but fake, position openings. Jobseekers may go through an extensive interview, hiring, and onboarding process, and even start working in their “new position,” only to find out they have been scammed, the job is not real, and their money or personal information was stolen by fraudsters.

Red flags: In many cases, fake hiring scams are for online/remote work, which allows the scammer to “cast a wide net” and lure in as many jobseekers as possible. The job might involve either simple or highly specialized work. It may offer flexible hours, surprisingly good benefits, or unusually high pay. The employer may ask for sensitive information (like a Social Security number) to be sent to them through unsecured communications, like a text message. In many cases, the scam employer sends the “new hire” a check to set up their home office, but requires a specific vendor be used to buy a laptop, printer, and other gear. Unfortunately, the check is fake, the “vendor” is another account/website controlled by the scammer, and the consumer might spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on fake office equipment before the check bounces and they realize they’ve been scammed.

Many scam operations these days can be very complicated and convincing. They are willing to invest a lot of time and resources into tricking consumers because they know the money they steal will be worth it. Job seekers should:

· Not respond to unexpected texts or click on unknown links. Most legitimate employers will not text a jobseeker (who they have not met or contacted before) out of the blue to hire them.

· Practice due diligence – even when using a legitimate jobseeking platform or website. Lying is against these services’ terms of use, but scammers don’t care about following rules.

· Research the employer. Scammers usually promise big rewards for little work, but don’t provide a lot of information. Search online for the name of the company and words like “review,” “scam,” or “complaint.”

· Avoid high-pressure tactics. Scammers want consumers to act quickly, before they get a chance to pause and think about the situation deeply. They might use threats or, in this case, incentives to convince consumers they need to take immediate action. The ideal job can be hard to come by, and many jobseekers are eager to find that perfect opportunity – but it’s important they take their time and remain alert for red flags, warning signs, and indications of a scam.