Job Seeker Identity Scam

A job seeker identity scam occurs when a fraudulent individual, often posing as a potential recruiter or employer, tricks job seekers into providing personal information like their Social Security number, bank details, or driver’s license copy, with the intention of stealing their identity for malicious purposes, usually by accessing their finances or creating fake accounts in their name.

How the scam works

• Fake job post: Scammers create enticing job listings on job boards or through emails, often with unrealistic salary offers or flexible work arrangements, to lure job seekers into providing their personal information
• Early requests for sensitive details: They may ask for your full Social Security number, date of birth, or banking information very early in the application process, often claiming it’s for background checks, which is a red flag
• Pressure tactics: Scammers may rush you to provide information, saying the job offer is about to expire, to create a sense of urgency
• Phishing emails: They might send seemingly legitimate emails requesting personal details, often mimicking the branding of well-known companies
• Work from home scams: These often target job seekers looking for flexible work arrangements, promising high pay for minimal work but requiring upfront payments for materials or training

Warning signs of a job seeker identity scam

• Job offers that seem too good to be true – high pay for minimal work, flexible hours without clear expectations
• Poorly written job descriptions or emails with grammatical errors
• Pressure to provide personal information quickly
• Request for payment upfront for application fees, training materials, or equipment
• Unfamiliar company with limited online presence
• Communication solely through untraceable channels like text messages or obscure email addresses

How to protect yourself

• Research the company thoroughly: Check the website, social media presence, and online reviews of the company making the job offer before providing any personal information
• Never share sensitive details early on: Be cautious about providing your Social Security number, bank details, or driver’s license copy until you are confident about the legitimacy of the job offer
• Verify the recruiter’s identity: Ask for their contact information, company email address, and check if they are listed on LinkedIn
• Report suspicious job postings: If you suspect a scam, report it to the job board where you found it and the relevant authorities
• Be wary of job offers that require upfront payments

What to do if you suspect a scam using the System One name or logo

If you are unsure if a System One job post or communication is legitimate, please contact marketing@systemone.com. We will assist you as far as possible to verify the information. System One email addresses use this format: firstname.lastname@systemone.com. If you are contacted by someone whose email address varies from this format, please do not respond. System One does not make job offers to candidates or request candidates to send applications through any social media sites or messaging services.