Tips for Avoiding Fraudulent Jobs
A fraudulent job or job scam is a fake job posting that aims to collect your personal information for fraudulent purposes. Unfortunately, job scams are on the rise here in PEI.
Most common things scammers try to do:
- Ask you to send them money
- Ask for personal information in order to steal your identity and obtain a credit card in your name
Identify Warning Signs
Watch for these “red flags” or warning signs when applying for jobs:
Common Red Flags:
- The job ad is short, vague, or has grammar mistakes
- If you receive an email from an “employer” that is unprofessional; may include many grammar errors and/or does not include a name or contact information
- The job offer seems too good to be true
- The company does not exist when you search for more information
- You get an email or a phone call about a job you did not apply for
- The “employer” offers you a job without seeing your resume or interviewing you
- The “employer” gets your banking information and transfers you money, or asks you to send them money
- The “employer” requests confidential personal information before you have an interview
Possible scam scenarios:
- The “employer” requests detailed personal information (such as your SIN, a picture of your license or passport, and/or credit card information) before you have an interview.
What might happen: The “employer” uses the information to steal your identity and take out a credit card in your name.
- The “employer” asks you to send them money (for pre-employment screening, a background check, training, or materials/software) via wire transfer, money order, or Interac e-Transfer.
What might happen: You never hear from them again, and the money is not recoverable.
Protect Yourself
Before you apply:
Confirm the employer is legitimate. This can be done by researching the company to find more information. Look for signs of legitimacy, such as the company having a website, contact information, and an office location. In some cases, employers who are hiring for home-based businesses may not have an office location. Still, they should be able to verify their legitimate website and contact information.
Before an interview:
- Share just your basic information: only send your resume, which includes your name, address and contact information. Your resume should not include your picture, SIN, or your date of birth.
- Never share your confidential personal information before an interview. This includes your SIN, financial information, or passport or driver’s license information with an employer before you confirm their legitimacy and have an interview.
Before accepting a job offer:
- You should have an interview! It could be in-person, over the phone, or via Skype. Try to avoid interviews done over email or online messaging.
After having an interview:
- Now you can accept the job offer and provide your personal information, such as financial information and your SIN. Employers need this information to pay you and for tax purposes.
Report Fraud Jobs
If you encounter a fraud job…
- Let UPEI Career Services know - email [email protected] or come see us in the Career Studio, Dalton Hall, room 209.
- You can report the ad to the originating website. Some job posting websites (such as indeed.com) allow you to report the ad directly on the site.
If you get caught by a scam…