SPRING HILL, TN - NOVEMBER 16: General Motors employees help guide applicants through the process during a job fair at their facility on November 16, 2021 in Spring Hill, Tennessee. General Motors is looking to hire 120 temporary employees to help add another shift to the engine manufacturing line at this facility. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
In a climate where a lot of people are looking for employment, you would’t think some are preparing to scam those that are. Beware of online job scams if you’re looking.
The FTC has issued a warning to those searching for employment. There are allegedly scam artists creating fake job requests in an effort to gain your data. The FTC has issued a few ways to help consumers out on recognizing some of these scammers.
- First, do your research. That’s with any situation I would assume. Research the company. Check if they have an extranet site with job requisitions posted. Google the company. This can help determine if they are legitimate. Check as well to see if they have a regular website if they don’t have any type of career site.
- Is this company legit? After doing some research, you could still have a few questions about this company. If they sent you an email, check the email address. The email address will most likely be a no reply type of email or it appears that is directly from the company. Also pay attention if they are asking for unnecessary information. If you think it’s unnecessary, then it most likely is.
- Don’t entertain anyone asking for money for a job lead. Unless it’s an app like “Thumbtack”, do not entertain it. You may come across a job asking for you to pay for equipment and be reimbursed later. That is a red flag. Keep it moving.