Scammers are working extra hard to trick you with phony job offers.

Searching for a job? Online job boards are a great place to find opportunities, but be cautious. Scammers can use them to steal your information and money.

Every year, tens of millions of Americans look for new jobs. As a result, job application scams are increasing, and some may appear real at first glance.

It’s no surprise that job application scams are on the rise – including some that can look authentic at first glance.

In this article, we'll explore typical job application scams, red flags to watch out for, and tips to protect yourself.

3 Common Job Application Scams

Here are three tricks scammers might use to pretend they're employers and try to get your money or personal info – or both!

1. Paying to Start a Job
   In this scam, they might ask you to buy stuff to assemble, sell, or promote. Or they'll demand money upfront for job placement or training. A real employer won't request that you transfer money from your account or purchase something from a specific site. If someone asks you to do this, it's a scam.

2. Phishing for Your Data
   Scammers use phishing to grab your personal info. In this job scam, they might request your Social Security number or passport number early in the application process. They could also say they need your bank account details for payroll before giving you a written job offer. They aim to get sensitive info for identity theft. Remember, never share personal data until you're sure the job is real.
   
   Scammers might also try to make you download documents or files related to the job. Don't do it! These files can contain malicious programs that steal info or hold your files hostage.

3. Handling Stolen Goods
   A scammer might try to involve you in handling stolen goods. Be cautious about work-from-home opportunities that include moving goods or money, as it could have been obtained illegally. These criminals are using you to hide their actions, making you an unknowing accomplice.

Watch Out for These Red Flags

When you're job hunting, be on the lookout for these warning signs that might signal a scam:

• The job involves handling money or goods from unknown sources. Avoid these; they're often reshipping or reselling scams.
  
  
• The job posting or email has odd language or lacks details. If you receive an email like: "WellKnownCompany is seeking for a Remote Administrative Assistant...," bad grammar or typos are red flags for scams.
  
  
• The listing is vague or doesn't include the company's name or location. Be cautious if it doesn't mention where the company is based.
  
  
• The recruiter uses a personal email address, like "name@gmail.com." Legitimate recruiters use company email addresses. Don't respond; it's a scam.
  
  
• They make unrealistic promises about your potential earnings. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  
  
• They're too eager to hire you without an interview or qualifications. This is a definite red flag.

Watch out for specific phrases like:

• "Your background is perfect for this role..." Be skeptical; real recruiters usually mention something specific about your background.
  
  
• "We've decided you're perfect for this job upon reviewing your resume! Congratulations, we want to make you an offer..." If you get this without an interview, it's likely a scam.
  
  
• "As part of the application process, we need your Social Security number, bank account..." Don't fall for it! Legitimate recruiters or employers don't ask for this.
  
  
• "Click this link to start the application process..." Before clicking, hover over the link to check the URL. If it doesn't lead to the real company website, avoid clicking!

How You Can Protect Yourself

Scammers can be sneaky. Here are some tips to protect yourself from job scams:

• Investigate the company. Search for the company's name along with keywords like "scam," "complaint," and "reviews."
  
  
• If you discover a job on a job board, check if it's listed on the company's official website or call them to confirm it's genuine.
  
  
• Don't ever pay to get a job.
  
  
• Don't give out your Social Security number, bank info, or other private data until you've got, checked, and accepted a job offer.

What to Do if You’re a Victim of a Scam

Act quickly!

• Call your bank right away if you've given money or shared account details with a scammer.
  
  
• Reach out to the job board or social media platform where you came across the scam.
  
  
• Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.FTC.gov.

When you're job hunting, stick to trustworthy sources to ensure the job is real. Keep these tips in mind to avoid scammers. To discover more about safeguarding your personal information or handling your finances, get in touch with your bank today.