Tips to Avoid Job Scams

Unfortunately, recruiting fraud is increasing in many online databases of job and internship listings. Identifying fraudulent positions is a difficult process that requires a partnership between our students, alumnae/i, and staff. The following factors may be used when evaluating the legitimacy of a job or internship opportunity:

• The company or organization’s website should be well-developed with clear contact information.  Scammers often make it difficult to contact them and

• Signs of a fraudulent job posting may include bad grammar and spelling errors and vague descriptions that focus on money rather than the job.

• Legitimate recruiting offers rarely require you to pay money up-front for recruiting consideration.   If an employer sends you a check before employment, that’s a strong red flag.  It is probably is a sign of a pyramid scheme or other type of scam.

• The recruiter’s email address should match the organization’s internet domain.   If not, it may be a sign that the “recruiter” is not actually affiliated with the organization. Fraudulent recruiters sometimes use legitimate companies as a cover for their scams.

• An offer for a job or internship without an interview or an offer to work on a “trial basis is a low bar for entry into an opportunity and is a flag for questionable business practices.

• If the compensation for a job is predominantly  commission based this is another red flag that further investigation is needed to determine if the job is viable or not for you.

• If an employer is asking for personal information that is not on your resume, including ID (college or driver’s license), social security number, passport, birth certificate, etc. this is likely a scam leading to identity theft.  Do not share any personal data!

• Does the entity or recruiter make you feel uncomfortable? This kind of gut check about a recruiting opportunity is important.  If the job seems too good to be true, it probably is.

If you have questions about a recruiting tactic or are concerned that you have been a victim of a scam, contact career services, campus security and the local police.

For more information, check out the following resources:

• Better Business Bureau: Employment Scams
• Federal Trade Commission: Job Scams
• NACE Guide to Fraudulent Employers: Tips for Career Centers and Students