Personal Internet Safety Tips For Your Job Hunt
Protecting our customers during the job seeking process is a top priority. Please take a moment to read how you can assist us by better protecting yourself. Here are some helpful tips that can help protect you during the process.
Scams
- Avoid vague offers as these are often scams. If the employer is not willing to specifically describe the position they are offering, you should exercise caution.
- Beware check-cashing scams. Do not send money, checks or pre-paid cards to someone claiming to offer you a job.
Fees
- Be cautious of any employer who charges a fee. Also be leery of any employer who asks for a check, debit card or credit card to either employ or find placement for you.
- Beware when money is required up front for instructions or products.
Personal Information
- Do not provide your SSN or any other sensitive information to an employer unless you are confident the employer is legitimate and the information will not be misused.
- Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you initiated the contact.
Interviews
- Be cautious of any employer offering employment without an interview (either in person or by phone).
- Be cautious of employers who conduct their interviews in a home setting or in motel rooms.
Email Accounts
- Be cautious of employers using Gmail or Yahoo solicitation emails. Check out the company first when corresponding with an employer who contacts you or asks you to contact them at a Gmail, Yahoo, or other free email account.
- Be suspicious of anyone asking that you set up an Instant Message (IM) account to conduct an interview.
- Be cautious of links to non-recognized sites attached in emails.
- Be wary when replying to unsolicited emails for work-at-home employment. Research the company to insure it is authentic.
Unrealistic Claims
- Be cautious of exaggerated claims of possible earnings or profits.
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do your research.
Overseas Business Scams
- Be cautious when dealing with individuals or companies located or operating outside of the United States.
- Thoroughly investigate any employer requesting that you transfer funds or receive packages for reshipment, especially if they are located overseas. These employment offers are commonly check-cashing or shipping scams!
Research Businesses
- If you have any doubts about a potential business, do your research to verify the legitimacy of the company.
- Find information about the company and review any complaints against them that may exist.
For more information, review the information in the Related Resources section at the bottom of this page.
