How to Spot a Scam!

How to Spot a Fraudulent Job Posting or Scam

The job search process can be hard enough as it is, and trying to decipher which postings are legitimate does not help. It may be difficult sometimes to recognize a fraudulent job posting, so we’ve complied some tips to help make your search a bit easier! It is always important to ensure that the positions you are applying for are honest, in order to avoid being scammed or stolen from.

The most popular types of scams that we see here at Brock University involve the “employer” of a company trying to steal an applicant’s money or identity through the job search process. They will ask the applicant to send a “pre-hire” deposit, or accept a cheque that turns out to be fake and must be repaid by the employee. Fake employers will also ask applicants for personal information beyond what is usually needed for a legitimate position. 

RED FLAGS:

• An employer offering or asking for money: Do not accept or give any funds to an employer before signing a contract that outlines the duties of the position.
• “Pre-hire payments”: The employee should never be paying for any training or screening for the position. If you are required to obtain a police check, pay directly to the police. Anything else should usually be paid for by the employer.
• Fake Companies: Do your research before proceeding to apply to a position. Compare the company’s website to the information in the job posting. Check for minor spelling changes in the contact information: Ex. career@brocku.ca vs. carear@brocku.ca. 
• Banking/Personal Information: Do not provide your SIN number or your banking information until after you’ve signed the contract for your position. Never give this information over the phone or through email/online applications.

Other kinds of job scams:

• Bait and Switch Scam: Job description is dishonest – Promises entry-level job with transferable skills and room for advancement but ends up being a door-to-door sales position.
• Pay for Software/Programs Scam: Employer asks applicant to purchase software for position, promises reimbursement and are never heard from again.
• Trial Employment Scam: Applicant is told that they must go through a “trial period” before offer of employment, while asking for personal information, including your SIN number and banking information.

For more information on fraudulent job postings and scams, visit: https://careerzone.brocku.ca/content/documents/Link/tips-fraudulent-job-postings-brocku-career-services.pdf