How to Tell If a Job is Really a Scam

How to Tell If a Job is Really a ScamHow to Tell If a Job is Really a ScamSometimes, it binnenseems that there are as many scams as legitimate job openings on the job boards. Toby Dayton, President, and CEO of JobDig explains, There is just no question that job boards as a whole can be, if they are not diligent in managing the risk for consumers, a magnet for scams, rip-offs, and identity theft. There are hundreds of well-documented techniques and examples that people should be careful to look for. Before you apply for a job, review warning signs to help you determine if a job is a scam. If youre not sure, take the time to research the company to make sure the job is legitimate. Here are ways to tell if a job is a scam. Research the Job and the Company Visit the companys website and if they dont have one or it doesnt fit with how they describe the company, consider that a red flag. How professional is it? Is there contact information? Are jobs and career information posted on the site? Use Google Use Google to research the company. Search by the company name (if the company wont give you a name, dont bother applying) to see what information you can find. Take it one step further and search by company name scam to see if you can find information about reported scams. The Job Details If it isnt listed in the job posting, try to find out if theres a salary or if youre paid on commission. Ask how much youre paid, how often are you paid, and how you are paid. If the company doesnt pay an hourly rate or a salary, carefully investigate the details. Check Scam Lists Check with organizations like the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission to see if the company has been reported as a scammer. Do Not Pay Do not pay money - for anything. Legitimate employers dont charge to hire you. Dont send money for work at home directories, advice on getting hired, company information or for anything else related to a job. Check the Companys Refe rences References work both ways. You are as entitled to check a companys references as they are to check you out. Ask for references if youre not sure if the company is legitimate. Request a list of other employees or contractors. Then, contact the references to ask how this is working out. If the company isnt willing to provide references (names, email addresses, and phone numbers), do not consider the opportunity. Forget Getting Rich Quick Avoid listings that guarantee you wealth, financial success, or that will help you get rich fast. Stay clear of listings that offer you high income for part-time hours. They will do none of the above. Be Careful If it sounds too good to be true, you can be sure it is. Also, read any offers you get very carefully. One candidate for employment got a very detailed job offer from an employer. The only problem was that she hadnt applied for the job and buried deep within the lines was a request for her bank account information so that the e mployer could pay her. It was a scam, of course, but with some of the well-written ones, it can be hard to tell.