Q: How can I avoid getting taken by job scams? I’m worried about falling for a fraudulent job offer. — Megan
J.T.: Your concern is completely valid, especially in today’s job market where job scams are unfortunately becoming more common. As a career coach, I’ve seen the devastating effects these scams can have on people.
Here are six red flags to watch out for:
- Mysteriously missing recruiter info: A legitimate recruiter should have a full LinkedIn profile, a company email address and other verifiable footprints online. If you can’t find these basic details, it’s a strong indicator that something’s off. Always check the recruiter’s credentials.
- Zero company credentials: Make sure the company has an official website, positive reviews, active social media channels and staff profiles on LinkedIn. If you can’t find a substantial online presence or if the company seems to lack credibility, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate businesses have a traceable digital footprint.
- Unprofessional communication: While not always a dead giveaway, poor grammar and spelling in official emails or documents can be a sign of a scam. Pay attention to how emails are written and whether they come from official company domains.
- Promises of immediate cash: Be wary if the job promises to pay you a large sum upfront for equipment, relocation, or other expenses. This “too good to be true” tactic is a common way that scammers hook victims. Genuine employers usually reimburse expenses rather than providing large upfront payments.
- Oversharing of personal info: Never provide sensitive information like your Social Security number, bank account numbers, or other personal data until you’ve firmly established the employer’s authenticity. A legitimate company will not ask for this information until the later stages of the hiring process.
- The offer seems too good: If the job offer includes unrealistically high pay, excessive benefits, or extreme flexibility, it should raise a red flag. As tempting as it might be, offers that seem too bountiful often are. Evaluate the offer critically and compare it with industry standards.
People are also reading…
Today’s jobless claims report revealed a slight increase to 229,000, surpassing expectations and marking a four-week high. Despite the uptick, the figure remains historically low with 1.8 million people currently receiving unemployment benefits. The data, along with yesterday’s softer private payrolls, suggests a potential Federal Reserve rate cut in the coming months, which could signal a soft landing for the economy. As markets anticipate these changes, sectors like healthcare and financial services continue to exhibit robust growth, whereas tech shows signs of stabilization. Wages are now outpacing inflation, offering relief to employees and employers alike. Amy Glazer from ADECO highlights the job market’s stability and the increasing role of artificial intelligence in streamlining the hiring process. With important nonfarm payrolls data due tomorrow, experts like Glazer foresee continued stability with no dramatic surprises expected. This overall picture paints an economy that is reaching a sweet spot, potentially confirming the Fed’s soft landing strategy.
J.T. O’Donnell is the founder and CEO of the job search career coaching platform Work It Daily. She is on a mission to help workers of all ages find career success. Visit workitdaily.com to submit your questions.
 "BCCI want Test specialists to play domestic cricket; Rohit, Virat, Bumrah to be exceptions")
