Spotting the Red Flags

How to Avoid Job Scams in Today's Market

In a tough job market, job seekers often find themselves more vulnerable. With intense competition and the need to apply to numerous companies just to secure an interview, the excitement of finally hearing back can cloud one's judgment. Unfortunately, this excitement can make job seekers easy targets for scams. Has this ever happened to you or someone you know? Chances are, it has. In 2023, the Better Business Bureau reported that employment scams were the number one scam for people ages 18-44.

With this scam becoming increasingly common, it's crucial to recognize the warning signs and protect your personal information from unknown entities. Here are some ways to keep your information safe and spot red flags when applying for jobs.

Watch out for unsolicited job offers.

If you receive a job offer without an interview, it's a massive red flag. If you receive an interview before applying, be wary. We realize it's hard to remember every company you applied for in a tough market where you often need to apply to several companies to secure an interview. This is your sign to keep a log of where you apply. Keep in mind that recruiters may reach out for opportunities you don't apply for but may be a good fit for. That being said, there are multiple ways to verify if a person is real and who they work for.

If you haven't worked with a recruiter, Zac Shaw, Vice President of Business Operations at ALTA IT Services, a System One subsidiary brand, has excellent advice on the process. "A recruiter should feel like a partner throughout your job search.  They may ask tough questions or provide advice that makes you a bit uncomfortable, but it should always feel like a partnership that is working in your best interest.  If it seems too good to be true or the recruiter is only looking out for themselves, then you should be cautious."

Verify contact information.

Remember that most recruiters and employers will contact you via email, LinkedIn, or phone. Sometimes, they reach out via text message, but it's extremely unlikely that they will reach out via messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal.

Confirm the email of the recruiter or hiring manager matches the company's domain, and look for them on LinkedIn and/or the company website. If you have a hard time finding your contact's social presence, it's not a good sign. Most recruiters are highly active on LinkedIn; that is how they make many connections!

Analyze job descriptions.

Many scammers copy job descriptions straight from the job boards, which is why it is essential to verify your contact is legitimate. Other job descriptions from scammers may be too vague, have grammatical errors, or be too good to be true (little work with a high salary).

Avoid requests for personal or financial information.

Scammers are after one thing: your personal information. Anyone who asks for social security, banking, or credit card information is a red flag. Employers only need your personal information once you start your job, and there is never a need to share credit card information. Many scammers will tell you they need upfront fees for training or equipment, but legitimate companies provide equipment and training at no cost as they invest in candidates they have vetted.

When it comes to providing personal information, Cami Davis, System One's General Counsel, offers this advice: "If you're unsure about an opportunity, before providing any personal information, contact your local consumer protection agency or the Better Business Bureau to learn more about the company offering the job.  These additional steps, and using other available legitimate resources to learn about the company and the job, can help protect your personal information, which is critical to avoiding these scams."

Look out for pressure to act quickly.

Legitimate employers will give you time to think about the offer they have given you, as they understand that starting a new career is a huge life change, and you may be balancing multiple offers. Scammers create a sense of urgency to prevent you from further researching the hiring manager's offer, company, or contact information.

Conclusion

In a competitive job market, it's crucial to stay vigilant and informed to avoid falling victim to employment scams. By recognizing red flags such as unsolicited offers, vague job descriptions, unverified contacts, and requests for personal or financial information, you can protect yourself. Take the time to research opportunities thoroughly, verify the legitimacy of recruiters, and trust your instincts when something feels off.

Your dream job is worth the effort it takes to ensure it's real. You can navigate the job market confidently and safely by staying cautious and prepared and keeping your personal information and professional aspirations secure.