Hiring freezes not the only threat to job seekers

As jobless rates begin to rise across the nation, job seekers are met with another obstacle in their quest—hiring scams.

The unemployment rate across the country is tipping the 10 percent scale, and as more people search for a way to earn a fast buck, scammers are looking to do the same.

A recent BBB press release noted that any employers looking for money up front were most likely scammers.  A Florida company recently ran ads promoting 2,500 positions for their new headquarters.  Even before an interview was offered, applicants were asked to provide the company with $24 for a supposed “background check”.  Law enforcement officers later did their own and found the money only went into the pocket of the employers.  Best case scenario, if a job asks for money up front, they most likely don’t have any to begin with. 

“If they are asking you for money up front, that raises a red flag,” said Northwest Florida BBB communications director Karen Szulczewski, “Most businesses will absorb background check costs through their own money.”

Job seekers should also beware of job placement businesses that are hired by companies to fill empty positions.  Some placement companies charge money and guarantee you a job. Some find out the hard way that money like that doesn’t go well spent. 

On Craigslist, a marketing advertising website, a job placement business asked for up to $195 guaranteeing the employment seeker a job.  Unfortunately, the hopeful job hunters got more than they bargained for. They never received calls back, and were left with no contact numbers for the company to ask for refunds. 

The BBB recommends taking caution paying upfront costs through job placement businesses. Before signing a contract, make sure to read the fine print and assure they have a contact number in case of a scam such as this.  Szulczewski said a majority of the time, job placement companies are reimbursed through the businesses they are working for. 

“Most job placement firms put the fees on the businesses they work for.  Most of the time, you won’t need to pay money because the cost is passed onto the business itself,” said Szulczewski. 

Another hefty risk taken by job applicants is the issue of job application identity theft.  During a job search, if a company recommends filling out a job application online instead of in house, ask for the direct website to avoid any malicious websites.

“Definitely take a moment and do your research,” said Szulczewski, “ You want to make sure who is on the receiving end.  Always make sure it is a legitimate company and a legitimate job offer.”

One of the most important things to remember, especially when filling out applications online is checking for a secure website.  Most websites will show they are secure by asking applicants to agree to a privacy policy form.

“Always check the website to make sure it is secure.  Also having a privacy policy agreement is another sign of a legitimate website,” said Szulczewski. 

Most online applications require social security numbers or other personal information. The BBB recommends not answering any e-mails advertising jobs unless they are legit.  Before clicking on a job link in an e-mail, hold the mouse over the link to ensure it leads to a secure website or the website it is intended to go to. 

Even if the company is well known, the websites can still be made up, so always double check.  The best place to fill out an application according to Szulczewski is online, as long as the applicant takes precautions.  Szulczewski said the BBB looks at identity thefts on a regular basis, and among those who are in the safe house are people who go paperless.

“Online is still safer than print documents as long as you are taking precautions,” said Szulczewski, “Online methods only accounted for 11% of identity thefts in our past study.  The rest was from dumpster diving.” 

The BBB also recommends keeping your social security number hidden if at all possible.  If there is an option on an online application to not list your social security number, that is probably the best option.  If a company calls to verify your social security number, always take caution and ask the caller to verify their employment with the company or ask specifics to verify they work for the company. 

Legitimate employers might request a social security number or bank account number for direct deposit purposes.   Wait until the first official day of work before verifying with them a bank account number

Also make sure to use common sense while on the lookout for jobs.  If an e-mail pops up proclaiming it will pay a high school graduate $150,000 a year, Szulczewski said don’t fall victim. 

“Like we always say, ‘if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.’”