Big Sky Times

Be vigilant about scams disguised as job offers. A recent graduate received a generous job offer for remote data-entry work from a scammer posing as a legitimate employer. The scammer sent an e-check for approximately $5,000 to pay for equipment she would need to work from home. She was to sign the check and send an image of her bank deposit slip back to the company. She took the check to the bank and learned it was all fraudulent and she was not dealing with the real company, but an imposter.

Here are some common red flags:

• Certain verbiage: “Unlimited earning potential," “investment opportunities and seminars," or “quick money”

• Requirement of upfront expenses paid by you

• Requests to pay for something as part of onboarding (e.g., hundreds of dollars for necessary software, pay to have your resume reviewed)

• Vague job requirements and job descriptions

• Job postings appear on job boards, but not on the company’s website

• A job is offered without contacting or asking for references

Original source can be found here.