Piedmont Triad Regional Council, NC

EMPLOYMENT SCAMS ARE ON THE RISE

The landscape of the workplace is changing. There are more opportunities to work virtual, and to work with companies that are not located in your community. There are new ways to communicate including applying for jobs online using new technology. With the new changes, it makes it an opportune time for scammers to take advantage. Below you will find some tips for spotting and avoiding employment scams. If you have questions about a job posting, we are here to help. To talk to a NCWorks Career Center specialist, click the link below to contact us.

HOW TO AVOID EMPLOYMENT SCAMS

Scammers post fraudulent ads in the same way legitimate employers do. While they promise a job, they are really trying to get your money or personal information. 

Research the company online. 

It is a good idea to do your research on any company that you are interested in apply to work. This is particularly important if you are not familiar with the company. If the job is posted by an employment agency and not the employer, do your research to confirm that the employment agency is a reputable company.  Some scammers claim to be a third party company that is hiring for other companies, when they are not. 

Do not click on links in ads or emails sent to you.

A common way that hackers will attempt to get your personal information is by getting you to click on a link. While the address that appears in the ad or email may appear legitimate, it may redirect you to another place. Instead, when you see a job advertised that interest you, go to the company's website and search for it in their job listings.

Do not pay for the promise of a job.

Legitimate employers will never ask you to pay to get a job. No legitimate potential employer will ever send you a check and then tell you to send on part of the money or buy gift cards with it. That is a fake check scam. The check will bounce, and the bank will require you to repay the amount of the bounced check.

Do not provide personal or financial information.

This is challenging. While legitimate companies need personal information such as social security numbers and email addresses, scammers are looking to secure this information to steal your money and/or identity. It is important that you determine that the application you are filling out is a legitimate application for employment and not a fraudulent employment post.  

Talk to a trusted source.

It can be confusing, especially if you have not searched for a job in some time. If you need help determining if a job is  legitimate, please contact us. We will be happy to help you find and apply for the job that is right for you.

For more information about how to avoid employment and other types of scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information website at: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scam

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE PAID A SCAMMER

Immediately contact the company that you use to send the money, report the fraud and ask to have the transaction reversed if possible. The Federal Trade Commission has specific advice and tips on what to do if you were scammed. For more information visit their website at: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed.

Report Fraud

It is important to report fraud. To report a fraud to the Federal Trade Commission, visit: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/