Help Wanted – But Be Careful

HARTFORD, Conn. - June 27, 2013 - PRLog -- Connecticut BBB Explains how to Protect Against Phony Job Offers

Whether it is a summer job or long-term employment, Connecticut Better Business Bureau is urging employment-seekers to watch out for signs of job offer scams.

Fake job listings and job opportunities involving the unauthorized use of legitimate company names are a waste of time, but may also involve a loss of money and pose the risk of identity theft.

At one end of the spectrum are work-at-home scams which require applicants to pay for job-related materials.  Others promise high salaries for little work and no experience.  Some of these may involve pyramid schemes.

However, some phony job offers may require prior submission of personal information such as a Social Security number or bank account information, supposedly to set up direct deposit.

Better Business Bureau offers some tips for students seeking summer job opportunities or other job-seekers considering employment:

•If you are offered a job without a formal interview or job application, it is most likely scam.  Do not provide any personal or financial information, as it can lead to identity theft.

•If the employer does not provide you with the details of the job in writing, be wary. When you have details in writing, be sure to read them carefully and ask questions.

•If the employer does not have a website or contact information is missing, consider that a red flag.

•If the employer requires fees for training, background checks or drug tests, it is likely to be a scam.  Legitimate employers cover these costs.

•If an employer offers you a lot of money for simple work or to work at home, it is probably too good to be true.

Finally, if have any doubts about the legitimacy of an unsolicited job offer, find contact information and verify whether the opening exists. Some scammers use the names of well-known companies to lend credence to their pitch, and may put links to phony websites or phony contact information.