Avoiding Job Scams

Recently, I was dismayed to hear about the number of people getting roped into job scams. Sarah Needleman reported in the Wall Street Journal that "There isn't always a job behind an online job posting."

According to the article, sometimes employment ads are an underhanded way to get you to listen to a career marketing pitch or worse yet, an identity theft or money laundering scheme. With rising unemployment, the scammers are looking to take advantage of people in desperate situations.

To avoid getting scammed, follow these tips noted in the article:

--Be suspicious if information is lacking. If the job posting does not list details on the hiring company or position, it might not be real. If a name is listed, try calling the company to make sure the job posting is legitimate.
--Don't share important information. On your resume, consider using a PO Box instead of your real address and a disposable email address.
--Check for complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau (www.BBB.org) against the hiring company or job placement agency noted in the employment ad.

Still the best tride and true advice if you don't want to be the victim of a scam - If it seems to good to be true, it probably is.

Have you or someone you know been the victim of a job hunting scam? If you've experienced a job scam or successfully avoided one, share your story in the comments below. It will help us all stay informed and protected!