How To:
Spot Scam Job Listings
Overview:
Not all job listings are created equal. Some listings are scams, meant to get information, money, or both from you. How do you know which listings are dishonest? Follow this guide to learn the signs that a job listing isn’t what it seems.
Theft is the main reason people run scams. Here are some signs that a job listing may actually be trying to steal your money.
1. Money
Reputable employers typically communicate through professional channels such as email or phone calls. If the entire hiring process takes place through text, WhatsApp, or similar platforms, it's important to exercise caution.
2. Communication
Legitimate employers typically require interviews to evaluate candidates. Being offered the job without any formal discussion or interview is a red flag!
3. Employer
Scams are constantly evolving and they are designed to trick you when you are most vulnerable (stressed, confused, in shock, not thinking clearly). Stay alert, pause, take a moment and get a second opinion.
4. Other
How do these scams work?
How do these scams work?
Mystery shopping: Fraudsters may pretend to be hiring mystery shoppers. They’ll assign you to assess a store that sells gift cards, money orders, or services like Western Union or MoneyGram. They send you a check, instructing you to deposit it and then transfer a portion of the funds to someone else. However, the check eventually bounces, leaving you without the money while the scammer disappears.
How do these scams work?
Personal assistant scams: You respond to an online job posting for a personal assistant position. After being hired, you receive a check and are instructed to purchase gift cards and send the PINs to your “employer.” In reality, this person is a scammer. As soon as they receive the PINs, they use the gift cards immediately. When the bank later discovers the check was fraudulent, you’re left covering the loss.
How do these scams work?
Multi-Level Marketing: Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) operations aren’t necessarily illegal, but they are often deceptive. This business model will offer you a job, but they may or may not tell you that you have to sell their product or recruit other people in order to get paid.
Unsure if it’s a scam?
Check the Company's Website:
Look for the job listing directly on their official site.
Check for any warnings or notices about potential scams they might have posted. Example: Mighty Citizen Careers Page
Contact CTP Staff:
Email us at emp@ctpberk.org for assistance. We're here to help review and verify any suspicious listings.
These messages are from a real exchange between a CTP graduate and a scammer pretending to offer a legitimate job.
Conversation With a Scammer #1
Note the poor syntax: “I’d message you soon.”
“After due consideration” of 22 minutes, the scammer says the applicant has been “confirmed qualified.” This is much too quick, and even the fake job isn’t quite a job.
Less than an hour after being “confirmed” as a “candidate,” our job-seeker is told that they are now an employee.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
The scammer sends a check for you to buy equipment for the job. You will be asked to send back any leftover money. But the check is fake. The scammer gets your money & you are stuck with the bill.
“The check will be issued out by any of our 28 affiliates” The recruiter doesn’t know where the money is coming from.
More poor syntax: “Ensure to utilize.”
And notice the scammer says you will buy the equipment “at a discount rate” – setting up the request for you to pay back the difference.
Conclusion:
Not all job listings are scams, and you may never encounter one. Now that you have the tools to spot scam listings, you can approach your job search with confidence. You're not alone—our support is always here to guide you through every step. Keep going, and remember, we're with you!
Resources:
Report Scam Listings: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
Get Help from CTP staff by emailing emp@ctpberk.org