Employment scams begin with experienced con artists posing as recruiters or employers who offer appealing employment opportunities. These scammers sometimes even pose as well-known companies as part of their attempt to trick individuals with fake job offers in order to gather personal and financial information. Throughout their process they often:
- require job seekers to make an initial investment or pay them money in advance. Or the fraudulent employer may provide money to the job seeker (via a fraudulent cheque) and then ask for money (in the form of your legitimate personal funds) to be "returned" or "repaid" to them;
- indicate individuals can work at home;
- utilize internet phone or VoIP systems throughout their recruitment with little to no direct conversation;
- offer a higher salary than most comparable positions;
- indicate no prior or related experience is needed;
- require you to work on your own and may ask you to shop or run errands while they are away on a special vacation or traveling on business.
If you are unsure if your job offer or company of interest is legitimate, please contact Career Services to speak with a Career Consultant! The tips and resources below will also help you to recognize and avoid employment scams.