Hiring Scam Alert

Panthers! Job scams are more widespread than ever. Before sharing any personal information on job applications or surveys, pause to verify their credibility and proceed with caution. Scammers are getting cleaver. In 2023 the FTC reported 2.6 million fraud reports regarding the job and employment category alone. To protect yourself from scams, The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has outlined key signs to check for legitimacy.

Hiring Red Flags 🔴

❌Financial/personal information requests.

  • The company asks for a credit card or bank account number. DO NOT give out any financial information at any point during your job search process.
  • The employer requests your social security and or driver’s license information in the initial application.
  • The representative tells you that the organization does not have an office set up in your area and will need you to help get the office up and running. (This scam often includes a request for your banking information, supposedly to help the employer make transactions.)
  • The position requires an initial investment.
  • 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.
  • You receive an unexpectedly large check to deposit into your bank account.

❌Unusual salary information

  • The position indicates a “first-year compensation” that is 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”)

❌Sketchy websites and emails

  • 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. Examples: @gmail, @yahoo, @hotmail. If this is the case, then verify that the email address matches what is found on the organization’s website.
  • You receive unsolicited email that is 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.
  • You are directed to a very basic 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.

Other red flags 🚩

  • The employer is hard to find. Scammers will try to keep themselves well hidden. Watch for anonymity. If it is difficult to find an address, actual contact, organization name, or similar information, this is cause to proceed with caution.
  • The employer contacts you by phone, but there is no way to call the representative back, i.e., the number is not available.
  • 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 online 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.

Hiring Green Flags 🟢

✔️Respecting financial/personal information.

  • The company does not ask for any credit card or bank account information during the application or hiring process.
  • The employer only requests your social security or driver’s license information after a formal job offer is made and paperwork is initiated.
  • The organization has a verified, established office location in your area or a clear, professional remote work structure.
  • The position does not require any upfront payments or investments to begin employment.
  • You are never asked to use your personal bank account to deposit checks or transfer money on behalf of the company.
  • All payments or compensation are discussed clearly as part of payroll through standard direct deposit or check processes, without unexpected or unusually large deposits before work begins.

✔️Reasonable Salary Information

  • The compensation listed aligns with industry averages for that position type and experience level.
  • The salary range is clear, specific, and reasonable, without unusually wide variations.

✔️Legitimate websites and emails

  • The company has a professional website and clear online presence, with detailed information about their services, team, and mission beyond just the job posting.
  • The job posting comes from a reputable organization, and the email handle matches the company’s official domain (e.g. contact@companyname.com). You can easily confirm this on the organization’s official website under their careers or contact pages.
  • The contact uses an official company email address, not a generic domain like @gmail, @yahoo, or @hotmail.
  • You receive job communications that are personalized and directly addressed to you, not generic mass emails.
  • The company website is well-developed, with comprehensive pages about their organization, services, and culture, and the job is listed among other open positions on their official careers page.

Other green flags. ✅

  • The employer is easy to find online, with a clear organization name, physical address, contact information, and professional presence on platforms like LinkedIn and their official website.
  • The employer provides a valid phone number and clear contact information, allowing you to call them back if needed.
  • The employer follows a standard application timeline, reviewing resumes thoughtfully before responding, rather than replying immediately with an offer.
  • The interview process is structured and thorough, often including multiple steps before a formal offer is made.
  • The job posting is well-written and free of spelling or grammatical errors, reflecting professionalism and attention to detail.
  • The job posting clearly outlines the responsibilities and expectations of the role, not just compensation details.

Source: Fraudulent Employers: Tips for Career Centers and Students

Stay safe, Panthers! Always approach job opportunities with caution, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Career and Talent Development if you have any questions or concerns.