Tips for Identifying an Employment Scam

Looking for a new job is difficult enough. The last thing you need is to get deceived by a job posting that seems amazing, but in reality is a scam. Learning that the new job you thought you had secured is not real can cause you to feel frustrated and dejected instead of the happiness you had felt not long ago. It is true that employment scams are fairly rampant. The good news is that they do share some tell-tale signs that the job really is too good to be true. Below, our Ohio employment lawyer explains some tips for identifying an employment scam.

You Did Not Apply for the Job

A recruiter may contact you, telling you that they found your profile online and you are exactly the type of employee they are looking for. Sometimes, recruiters do use sites such as LinkedIn and professional networking sites to find employees, so it is okay to remain open. However, you must conduct thorough research on the company in these situations. In most cases, many people apply for the same employment position, so recruiters do not usually have to scour job sites to find the right people for the job.

You Cannot Find the Company’s Website

You may find a great job listing, but you cannot find a website for the company. Or, a recruiter may reach out to you, but you cannot find them within the company or find their profile on any networking sites. These are all red flags that the open position is not legitimate.

Generic Emails are Used

Professional companies and recruiters have their own customized email addresses. If a company or recruiter uses a generic email service such as Gmail or Yahoo, it is a sign that they are not professional or that the job postings are not real.

You Have to Pay for Something Before Starting the Job

This employment scam is becoming more common as more people start to work from home. A company may tell you that you have the job, but you have to pay money for the equipment you will need. No reputable company will ask you to pay for your own equipment, so these instances are usually just a quick way for scammers to obtain money.

You are Asked for Personal Information

This one can be tricky because, at some point, a potential employer will have to ask for your bank account information, social security number, and other personal information. However, it should never happen early on in the interview process. Even if they provide a reason for needing the information, if it makes you uncomfortable, you should continue your job search.

Our Employment Lawyers in Ohio Can Advise on Your Case

If you think you have been defrauded by a scam or an employer has not treated you fairly, our Ohio employment lawyers at Marshall Forman & Schlein can advise on your case and make sure your rights are upheld. Call us now or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help.