Beware Of Job Hunting Scams

Are you unemployed and thinking of changing careers?  If you are, you may be using the internet, as well as
your local newspapers to find job openings.  While these are both great way to find job openings that you are qualified for, as well as apply for those jobs, you need to remember to be on the lookout for scams.

Despite what you may believe, there are scams that are sometimes referred to as job hunting scams, career scams, or employment scams. These scams are run by those who are looking to profit from someone’s need to find a job.  Although it is horrifying, it is something that does happen.  That is why you need to be on the lookout for scams, when searching for and applying for new jobs. As a reminder, you need to remember that these employment scams not only take place online; many scams are starting to make their way to newspaper employment sections.

When it comes to avoiding job scams, it is best if you know what to be on the lookout for.  One of the most common scams associated with job hunting involves the requirement of a deposit.  This deposit is most commonly associated with work-at-home opportunities, but not always.  These types of scams work when an “employer,” or a scammer says that a deposit is needed to start working for them.  This deposit may be used for supplies, training materials, or just because.  What you need to remember is that you should never have to pay to get a job.  You should be paid to work, not the other way around.  Yes, you may need to buy certain pieces of clothing or other needed supplies, but you should be able to make your own purchase, from anywhere you want.

Another type of scam that you will want to be on the look for is employment scams that are just out to get your personal information. As with deposit employment scams, these types of scams are most commonly associated with work at home jobs, but they are not limited to them. These types of scams work by having you hired for a job, any type of job, but one that doesn’t really exist.  The only thing is that most typically don’t know that the job doesn’t exist.  The “employer,” in question will then ask you to fill out required working papers or provide you bank account information for direct deposit.  Once the “employer,” or scammer in question has your personal account information, you will likely never see or hear from them again.  However, you may find yourself with an identity theft problem.

One of the best ways to avoid falling victim to an employment scam is by using your best judgment.  If a job opportunity sounds too good to be true, chances are it is.  You will want to be cautious of any job opportunity that requires paying a deposit to become an employee or a job listing that wants your personal information before you even know exactly what you would be doing.  Be on the lookout for common scams, ones that state only a certain number of openings are left, ones that have 1-800 numbers for contact information, and such. 

By keeping the above mentioned points in mind, you are more likely to find a legitimate career opportunity or job than you are to fall victim to an employment scam. Always use commonsense and good judgment when assessing any opportunities,