Work at Home Scams (again) - BBB Warns…
The Better Business Bureau has warned of some work at home scams that they’ve uncovered that targets online job hunters according to this news story.
The Better Business Bureau says beware of scammers targeting online job hunters. They offer seven warning signs to prevent potential employees from being victims of fraud.
Job Scam #1: Employer e-mails filled with grammatical errors. The Better Business Bureau says most online fraud originates in countries outside of the United States. The scammers first language is usually not English, which may lead to poor grammar and misspelling of common words.
Job Scam #2: E-mails from job posting websites claiming there’s a problem with the job seeker’s account. The BBB says after creating an account on sites like Monster.com or CareerBuilder.com the job hunter may start receiving emails saying there’s a problem with the new account or they need to follow a special link to install new software. The BBB says beware. This is the classic sign of a phishing scam and following the link could actually install viruses or other system damaging software on their computer.
Job Scam #3: Employers who ask for extensive personal information. The BBB says in some cases people searching for jobs online manage to score a job without an interview. Once the hiring process is underway the BBB says beware if the employer makes contact asking for personal information like social security or bank account numbers. Experts at the Better Business Bureau say regardless of the reason or excuse the employer may give NEVER give out social security numbers or bank account information over the phone or internet. Giving out this information could make job hunters more likely to become victims of identity theft.
Job Scam #4: An employer offers the opportunity to get rich without leaving home. The BBB says while there are some legitimate businesses that pay people to work from home many are scams. Their targets are usually stay-at-home moms, students, senior citizens or the disabled. If you come across a promising work-from-home job opportunity, make sure it’s legit by checking with the Better Business Bureau first.
Job Scam #5: Employers that ask for money up front. Outside of buying a uniform the BBB says it is rare for a new employee to have to pay upfront fees or make any kind of purchase to get a job, that includes paying for background checks.
Job Scam #6: Salary and benefits that seem unreal. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true it probably is. According to the Better Business Bureau, fake employers will use an exceptionally high salary and excellent benefits package to lure unsuspecting job hunters. And once they reel you in they take their bite.
Job Scam #7: Jobs that requires its employees to send money through wire transfer services like Money Gram or Western Union. Experts at the BBB say the phony jobs may send a check by mail and ask the prospective employee to cash the check and wire a portion of the money to someone else. While the check may clear the employee’s bank, it’s probably going to be a fake. In the end the employee hoping to make money will end up losing it instead.
Take care when you’re considering working from home for an employer you’ve never met. Do you research and visit the BBB’s website to find out more information as necessary.
