Fake Job Offer Scam Alert

What Are Fake Job Scams?

As you search for full-time jobs or internships, especially as an international student or recent graduate, it’s crucial to stay vigilant against fraudulent job offers. Scammers frequently target job seekers with fake job opportunities designed to steal personal information or money. These scams often appear in unsolicited emails, social media posts, online job boards, or messages that seem to come from reputable companies. Understanding the warning signs and taking precautionary measures can help you avoid falling victim to these scams.

They Target Those Seeking Full-Time Jobs and Internships:

Scammers often disguise themselves as legitimate employers and use suspicious tactics. Keep in mind that: 

  • Legitimate employers never ask for upfront payments for training, visa sponsorship, security clearance, or other fees. If a full-time job requires such payments, it is likely a scam.
  • You should never use an unsolicited contact as your primary contact for employment. Always verify offers through the company’s official website or direct contact with a verified member of the company. Be sure to AVOID sharing financial details. 
  • Internships should NEVER ask for banking details before employment begins. 
  • Fake recruiter emails usually claim to represent well-known companies for recognition. Always VERIFY. 
  • Personal assistant scams often involve money transfers. 
  • Overpayment scams often involve scammers sending you a fake check and ask for a refund, tricking you into sending them money before the check is discovered as fraudulent.
  • Job postings that promise high salaries with minimal effort are almost always TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE.

Keep an Eye Out for These Red Flags:

Be cautious if a job posting or email: 

  • Promises high pay with little to no experience required. 
  • Arrives as an unsolicited job offer via Email, LinkedIn, or other social media platform.
  • Comes from a free email account (e.g., Gmail or Yahoo) rather than a verified corporate domain.
  • Lacks clear company details, an official website, or verified contacts.
  • Requests for personal information (e.g., bank account details, Social Security Number, passport information) before an official hiring process. 
  • Offers to send you a check before you start working.
  • Asks you to pay for work-related materials, Visa processing, or training upfront.
  • Requires money transfers, cryptocurrency payments, or prepaid gift cards.

How to Protect Yourself:

Follow these steps to verify job offers and stay safe: 

  1. Research the Employer – Look up the company on LinkedIn and its official website. Search for the company name along with terms like scam or fraud. 
  1. Verify Recruiter Credentials – If a recruiter contacts you, check their LinkedIn profile and confirm their association with the company. 
  1. Check Official Job Portals – Apply for positions directly through:
    • Company career pages (Always confirm the URL!)
    • LinkedIn Jobs
    • Reputable job boards.

Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails, which may be fraudulent.

  1. Beware of Unusual Hiring Practices – Legitimate companies conduct formal interviews before making an offer. Be suspicious of job offers made without an interview. 
  1. Never Share Personal Information Prematurely – Employers should not ask for sensitive information like Social Security numbers, banking details, or passport copies before the hiring process is complete. 
  1. Avoid Check Deposit Scams – If an employer sends you a check and asks you to send money back, it’s a scam. Banks will hold you responsible for bounced checks. 

What to Do If You Encounter a Scam:

If you suspect a fraudulent job offer: 

  • Stop all communication with the scammer. 
  • Do not deposit or cash any checks received from unknown sources. 
  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and LinkedIn or the job board where you found the listing. 
  • Reach out to Saint Louis University (SLU) Career Services for guidance, support, or to alert them about the scam targeting students. 
  • Report to SLU Help Desk to ensure campus-wide awareness and assistance. 
  • Notify your bank if you shared financial details or deposited a fraudulent check. 
  • Monitor your credit report if you provide personal information. 

For more information about reporting suspicious email, check out THIS ARTICLE.

The Last Word:

Finding a full-time job or internship can be challenging, but protecting yourself from scams is just as important as securing the right opportunity.
Always:

  • Research Employers
  • Verify Job Offers
  • Be Cautious of Unsolicited or Overly Generous Offers

By staying informed and vigilant, you can confidently navigate your job search and avoid fraudulent schemes. 

Print Article