Beware of Job Scammers

John Krautzel
Posted by in Career Advice


While scouring online job ads, you read one description that just seems too good to be true. As you do more research and inquire about the position, the details start to sound suspicious. Job scams are everywhere, and in this technological age, scammers find it easier than ever to prey on innocent victims. Watch out for these six common signs of a job scam, and find out how one would-be victim spotted the red flags.

1. Requests for Money

Never send money or transfer funds to a prospective employer. When Debra Ann McGee pursued an administrative assistant job posting she found on Glassdoor.com, the online interviewer who contacted her promised to send a check for over $5,000 for equipment. He instructed McGee to wire $650 back to pay for shipping costs, a sure sign to McGee of a job scam.

2. Work From Home Opportunities

While many work from home jobs are legit, there are others that victimize unsuspecting job seekers. In McGee's case, she was only expected to be in a chat room for the first day of "work." The promise of work with no face-to-face communication threw up a red flag for McGee.

3. Too Much Pay

A job that pays big bucks and requires few skills doesn't sound like a problem, but this is a common sign of a job scam. McGee was suspicious of the job offer for a position that paid $35 per hour in addition to health, life and disability insurance before the interviewer even reviewed her work experience.

4. Poorly Written Communications

Don't respond to emails or job ads that contain obvious mistakes, such as spelling, punctuation or grammar errors. McGee's interviewer often missed words during their online chat session, which is typically a sign the communication is written by someone who does not speak fluent English.

5. Generic Information

Be wary of job postings that don't provide a lot of detail about the position and prospective employers who don't require a resume. Legitimate job ads usually specify the particular job skills, past education and work experience required for the position. During McGee's interview, she noted the interviewer's vague description of the position and avoidance of her direct questions.

6. Questionable Contact Information

Before answering a job post or responding to an email, research the company to ensure the email address, physical address and phone number match those on the company's website. McGee's final job scam warning sign came when the interviewer listed the wrong city for the supposed company's office.

While you may be anxious to find a job, watch out for job scams that can be a costly mistake. Trust your instincts. Visit your state's Department of Labor and Workforce Development website to search for the employer and confirm it is legitimate.


Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    Thank you for your comment @Scott. Yes, BBB is another place that you can look. There are many other sites that give you information about the company, too. GlassDoor, Indeed to name a few. You can always look it up on LinkedIn, too and get a good feeling for what others have experienced.

  • Scott M.
    Scott M.

    If they publish a phone number and address that's a start. BBB listing is another...and you don't need to be a member to get a score.

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Anabel work from jobs are real. Granted not all of them are. You will still find many scammers out there. But, if you take the time to check out the company, you will know whether they are legit or not. And, if a posting says that are a legitimate company or something like that, they probably aren't. Why would a real, valid company have to say that they are legit? Just some common sense things to look for as mentioned in the article. I know that they are real because I have been working from home for 13 years. And keep in mind that working from home is not for everybody. It takes a special person to do it. You have to be disciplined and motivated. No one is going to stand over your shoulder but then again - no one is going to be there at all - so it's up to you to be productive. Hoping for the best for you.

  • anabel s.
    anabel s.

    somebody, somehow, somewhere had been lucky with this type of jobs offers?...are they real?....work from home is ideal for many people, but.............where??!?!?!?!?!?!

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Farrakh thanks ever so much for your comments. So very true - investigate every work at home job because scammers today are very sophisticated in their approach. Never pay for a job and certainly do not agree to receive money for software or equipment. If the company is legitimate and they require you to have special equipment or software, they are going to provide it to you - not send you a check. Funny how quickly they disappear when you call their bluff!

  • FARRAKH N.
    FARRAKH N.

    Who Mailed you. I received a couple of offers like that but when I did reasearch It was scamed. Mostly at Glassdoor.com and their method was the same which you described in your column. when Interviewer told me deduct your advance salary and remaining send to our agent as software cost for my computer. I said why you didnt send him directly Its not my job and I dont need advance salary I didnt ask you for advance. Then she disappeared

  • FARRAKH N.
    FARRAKH N.

    Appreciated and very true but one more thing some time their websites are also fake and not secure so beaware of that too. If you have same adrees and phone number then call them and investigate about company and that specific person who mai

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