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Beware of Summer Job Scams

Published: June 12, 2024

Beware of Summer Job Scams

As summer approaches, students returning home and long-term travelers often look for seasonal job opportunities to earn extra income. However, the increase in job scams means it's crucial to recognize and avoid fraudulent job offers. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.

 

Common Tactics Used by Scammers

Scammers often send text messages, claiming to be employers or post fake job applications online. They might even conduct virtual job interviews, only to request a "training fee" after offering you the job. **Remember: Real employers will never ask you for money. **

 

Warning Signs of Job Scams

When searching for a summer job, be wary of the following red flags:

  • Vague Job Descriptions: Legitimate job postings usually have detailed descriptions.
  • Promises of High Earnings: Offers of high pay with little to no experience required are often too good to be true.
  • Upfront Fees: Be cautious if asked to pay for equipment, software, or training.Guaranteed or Immediate Hiring: If a job guarantees immediate hiring without an interview process, it’s likely a scam.
  • Unconventional Payment Methods: Be suspicious if they only offer to pay through services like CashApp or Venmo.
  • Communication Through Messaging Services: Legitimate employers typically use official channels, not just WhatsApp or similar services.

How Scammers Operate

Scammers often post realistic-looking job ads on legitimate employment sites. Once you apply, they might offer the job and quickly request personal information such as your driver’s license, Social Security number, or bank account details under the guise of filling out employment paperwork. Sharing this information can lead to identity theft. Learn more at (https://www.ftc.gov/jobscams).

 

Protecting Your Personal Information

To safeguard your money and personal data:

  • Verify Before Sharing: Contact the company directly using a verified phone number or email, not the one provided in the job posting.
  • Research the Company: Look online for reviews, complaints, or scam reports related to the job or company.
  • Don’t Pay for a Job: No legitimate job requires upfront payment for fees or training.
  • Consult Trusted Sources: Talk to someone you trust before accepting a job offer or business opportunity.

 Report Scams: If you spot a job scam, report it to the FTC at (https://www.ReportFraud.ftc.gov).

 

Tips to Avoid Employment Offer Scams

  • Adjust Your LinkedIn Profile: Ensure your email address is only visible to you. Scammers may target individuals by pretending to be from an organization you recognize. Once you accept the connection request, they collect personal contact information and target your email directly.
  • Connect Only with Trusted People: On all social media accounts, only connect with people you know or have a mutual and trusted connection with.
  • Hide Personal Email on LinkedIn:  Configure your LinkedIn profile so it does not automatically share your email address with new connections.

By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, you can protect yourself from summer job scams and enjoy a safe and productive job search.

 

Article content and third-party links are provided for information purposes only. 

Reference:

Fake summer jobs: BBB warning High School, college students about employment scams. ABC7 Chicago. (2024, June 1). https://abc7chicago.com/post/fake-summer-jobs-business-bureau-warning-high-school/14900022/#:~:text=Scammers%20will%20often%20send%20text,never%20ask%20you%20for%20money

 

Fonseca, C. (n.d.). College students desperate for jobs are getting scammed online by criminals posing as Tech recruiters. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/job-recruiter-offer-scam-identity-college-students-report-2024-4

 

How to spot job and internship scams. Career Center | Swarthmore College. (2024, April 1). https://careercenter.swarthmore.edu/blog/2024/03/13/how-to-spot-job-and-internship-scams/

 

Summertime scams are coming in hot. CAMPUS USA Credit Union. (n.d.). https://campuscu.com/blog/posts/2024/june/summertime-scams-are-coming-in-hot/

 

Tressler, C., Heras, G. de las, & Puig, A. (2024, March 4). Job scams. Consumer Advice. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams

 

Tressler, C., Heras, G. de las, Puig, A., Kreidler, J., Specialist, C. E., & Jr, A. C. A. (2024, February 1). Spot holiday job scams. Consumer Advice. https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/12/spot-holiday-job-scams

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