Avoid Job Search Scams
Times are hard right now and the more people looking for work, the more scams out there trying to get your money or private information.
While no one can guaranteed that you'll never be scammed, there are things you can do to protect yourself and conduct a safer job search.
1. Protect Your Privacy - A recruiter should NEVER ask for your credit card number, bank account number of PIN number over the phone.
This informaiton is rarely -- if ever -- required to apply for a job. Never give it out over the telephone or via email. You may be asked to provide your Social Security number and date of birth while filling out a job application, that's part of the formal job application that candidates fill out, usually on the day of their interview. But this information is NOT solicited over the phone or email.
2. Know Who You're Dealing With - Always be aware of who you are sharing personal information with and how it will be used.
If you get a call from an unfamiliar recruiter, get their name, company and telephone number. Check them out with the Better Business Bureau at www.BBB.org or research them online. Call your local Chamber of Commerce to verify their legitimacy. Also look up the company's phone number by calling to confirm that person actually works there. Don't share personal information over the phone or via email. When posting your resume online, check the website's privacy policy to see how your informaiton will be used.
3. Hold Onto Your Money - Beware of anyone who asks you for money in exchange for finding you a job. Never pay for "exclusive" job leads or for a job itself. Be especially careful of work-at-home scams that require a financial investment from you, they're usually too good to be true.
4. Uh Oh! If you find that you did share sensitive information with the wrong people and feel that you've been scammed -- take action immediately!
Contact your bank and credit card companies immediately. Also call the major credit reporting agencies Experian
Comments: 1
First I want to say that I cannot believe that it has been 8 years since that awful day we lost so many people from those horrid terrorist attacks. Enough said......
Times are truly hard Howard, as my nephew cannot find a decent job. He graduated top of his class at Manhattanville College and his picture was taken with Ted Turner.
Anyway, the thing I would strongly suggest is first, as you said, hold on to your money, and avoid any scams, even if you think it's the most legitimate course of action. The other thing of great importance is NEVER give your social security number to anyone who calls YOUR HOME. And especially, NEVER, give anyone your mother's maiden name. I know, I was a victim of identity
fraud ten years ago. I was a total wreck. The perb was found and got a slap on the wrist and community service. Not enough I say - there should be stronger penalties for these crimes.
And now they are stealing children's ss numbers. You would think this couldn't happen, but it does. It just makes me sick.
I've been working on a project and writing all night, so coming on your blog is a breath of fresh air.
Thanks for the great information Howard. After this Bernie thing, I hope people keep their monies, and not be as trusting anymore.
Lee