Avoid Fraudulent Job Postings
Make sure that your “ideal position” is not just a scam to prey on earnest job-seekers.
While you are working hard to ensure that you land an ideal opportunity, be aware that the perfect job may not be so perfect. Con artists and scammers post fraudulent jobs that can be difficult to spot. Review the red flags below and learn tips on how to protect yourself if you may have applied for a fraudulent job. In addition, explore the Fraudulent Postings are Getting Harder to Spot blog post for additional information about the newest tactics impostors are using to hook you.
Report a Fraudulent Job/Internship Posting
If you have any questions, call us at (213) 740-9105 or email the Employer Engagement Team.
Fraudulent Posting Red Flags
Here are some fraud warning signs:
Financial/Personal Information
- You must provide your credit card, bank account numbers, or other personal financial documentation. Do NOT give out any financial information at any point during your job search and hiring process.
- You are asked to provide your social security and driver’s license information in the initial application. Personal information should never be asked during the initial application process.
- The employer tells you that they do not have an office set up in your area and will need you to help them get it up and running (these postings often include a request for your banking information, supposedly to help the employer make transactions).
- You are offered a large payment or reward in exchange for allowing the use of your bank account (often for depositing checks or transferring money).
- Remember, never process ANY financial transactions. For example, some organizations offer opportunities to “make quick money.” Their intent is to defraud you by sending an unexpectedly large check to deposit into your bank account and you send back a portion of the money sent. Once your bank or financial institution processes the scammer’s check or financial request, you will be informed the monies are invalid or “not real.” In the meantime, you are held responsible for the funds the bank has sent at your direction to other accounts.
Unusual Salary
- The position indicates a “first-year compensation” that is in high excess to the average compensation for that position type.
- The salary range listed is very wide (e.g., “employees can earn from $40K – $80K the first year”).
- The position initially appears as a traditional job. Upon further research, it sounds more like an independent contractor opportunity.
Website, Email Address, and Social Media Verification
- The posting appears to be from a reputable, familiar organization (often a Fortune 500). Yet, the email handle in the contact’s email address does not match the domain used by representatives of the organization (this is typically easy to determine from the organization’s website). Another way to validate is to check the open positions on the organization’s website by checking their careers/jobs webpage.
- The contact email address contains the domain @live.com or an @ that is not affiliated with the organization. Example: @gmail, @yahoo, @hotmail, etc. If this is the case, then verify that the email address matches what is found on the organization’s website.
- Does the organization’s website have an index that tells you what the site is about; or does it contain information only about the job in which you are interested? Scammers often create basic webpages that seem legitimate at first glance.
- Watch for anonymity. If it is difficult to find an address, actual contact, organization name, etc., this is cause to proceed with caution. Scammers will try to keep themselves well hidden.
- The employer contacts you by phone, but there is no way to call them back (the number is not available).
- Use social media to research each employer, e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and LinkedIn. Research the organization on websites such as Glassdoor for feedback and complaints.
Other Red Flags
- The employer responds to you immediately after you submit your resume. Typically, resumes sent to an employer are reviewed by multiple individuals or not viewed until the posting has closed. Note: this does not include an auto-response you may receive from the employer once you have sent your resume.
- The interview is conducted via online chat or over the phone, and an offer is given almost immediately.
- The posting includes many spelling and grammatical errors.
- The posting neglects to mention the responsibilities of the job. Instead, the description focuses on the amount of money to be made.
- Be cognizant of unsolicited emails that are not specifically directed to you. Spammers/scammers can obtain student emails fairly easily. If the unsolicited email references a referral from your career center, contact your career center to verify the employer.
- When you Google the organization name and the word “scam” (e.g., Acme Company Scam), the results show several scam reports concerning this organization. Another resource to search for scam reports is Ripoff Report.
- Google the employer’s phone number, fax number, and/or email address. If it does not appear connected to an actual business organization, this is a red flag. You can use the Better Business Bureau and Dun & Bradstreet to verify organizations.
- Fraudulent employers are phishing for the unsuspecting, including you. Be aware of what you share and post online. If you feel uncomfortable or are not sure about certain organizations or individuals claiming to represent an employer, talk to your career center.
- Read more tips on identifying fraudulent employers from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
What if I am Already Involved in a Scam?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suggests the following instructions:
You should immediately contact the local police department. The police department is responsible for conducting an investigation (regardless of whether the scam artist is local or in another state). If you are a current student, you may file a report with the USC Department of Public Safety by calling them at (213) 740-6000. If it is a situation where you sent money to a fraudulent employer, you should contact your bank or credit card company immediately to close the account and dispute the charges. If the incident occurred completely over the Internet, you should file an incident report with the U.S. Department of Justice or by calling the FTC at: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).