Since the pandemic, work arrangements have changed. Many people continue to work from home full time, attending virtual meetings with clients and using messaging platforms to communicate with co-workers.
While scammers have advertised remote jobs for decades, the “new normal” of a hybrid relationship between employee and employer is being further exploited. A typical fake job posting lures someone into an interview that’s simply a tactic to steal personal information.
Older scams advertised easy, get-rich-quick positions like envelope stuffing or rebates processing, but have become savvier. You might participate in an interview with someone posing as a representative from a recognizable company. During a job search, know the signs you’re being scammed.
A Position Seems Too Good to be True
Did you hit the job search jackpot or are you being scammed? Too good to be true postings:
- List an above average salary and benefits for the role or industry
- Focus on income and pay versus the actual job duties
- Emphasize little hours worked for high pay
- Offer an extremely flexible work schedule
The first step to avoid falling victim to a scam is to research the company that posted the position. Also compare salaries for similar job titles and your level of experience.
The Business Lacks an Online Presence
A new business may not have an online presence yet but in 2022, most companies have a website or social media from the start. A legitimate business should have:
- A professional-looking website with contact information
- At least a modest social media presence on popular platforms
- A professional email address or contact form to submit your resume
- A Google Business or Better Business Bureau profile
Job Description Is Vague
Before applying, make sure you fully understand what the job entails. Postings should clearly list qualifications and job duties, while de-emphasizing salary and convenience. If these factors appear to be reversed or you don’t fully understand the role, it may be a scam. Also be on the lookout for other red flags, including:
- A job posting with no company name
- Recruiters who reach out about an opportunity but won’t tell you the company
- A similar iteration of a known company name in an attempt to impersonate
- Job postings with spelling or grammatical errors
Poor Recruiter Communication
A recruiter may contact you directly about a job, claiming to be from a recognizable agency or representing an employer. To avoid falling into a trap, watch out for the common signs of a recruiting scam:
- Unprofessional communication, from grammar and spelling errors to intimidation
- The recruiter claims to have found your resume on a job board you’ve never used or received an application you never submitted
- Money is discussed right away, from how much you’ll make to processing checks
- You’re offered a job via email without an interview or during a call
Common Job Scams
You’re more likely to have your information stolen or be put in a compromising financial position for the following work-from-home positions:
- Data Entry
- Multilevel Marketing
- Wire Transfers
- Rebates Processing
- Product Assembly
- Stuffing Envelopes
- Shipping Goods
Job Interview Red Flags
If you’ve responded to a fake job listing, be on the lookout for these interview scam tactics:
- The interview takes place over chat or text message
- You’re asked to pay upfront for equipment
- You’re asked to provide personal or financial information
- The interviewer is evasive and does not answer your questions
- You contact the company and the employee you were supposed to have talked to doesn’t recall the interview
At Ion Bank, we take a comprehensive approach to customer security. Explore our website to learn more about what you can do to avoid an identity theft scam.