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How can I avoid job scams?
How can I avoid job scams?

By following a few simple tips, you can keep your information safe.

Ryan Choate avatar
Written by Ryan Choate
Updated over a week ago

Finding the right job is challenging enough without having to worry about becoming a victim of fraud. Unfortunately, fraudulent job ads do happen, especially in times of economic difficulty and high unemployment.

At WizeHire, we take active steps to prevent job scams by verifying business licenses and business records. However, scammers are sophisticated and, unfortunately, hard to spot on occasion.

Note: WizeHire never asks for personal information such as passwords, social security numbers, or financial information through email.

Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep your personal information safe when job searching:

  • Don’t provide bank account information to a potential employer. A real job opportunity will not ask for this information for payroll until AFTER you’re hired.

  • Don’t send money to someone you meet online, especially by wire transfer. Wire transfers require full banking details and are common with scammers.

  • Do a web search for the employer using only the company name. Review the company website and ensure it matches any email address used.

Scammers use elaborate methods to get your information, whether by phishing, spam email, or fake websites. Here are a few red flags that should alert you to a possible scam job posting:

  • Potential employers contact you through non-company email domains.

  • They request you download an encrypted messaging app like Telegram - this hides correspondence from WizeHire and is nearly impossible to track.

  • Before you provide any personal information to a recruiter, check the person's profile on LinkedIn or view their employer’s company page.

If you’ve been a victim of fraud during your job search, the following may help you understand the steps you can take to resolve the issue:

  • Stop contact with anyone you suspect may be scamming you.

  • Contact the company you intended to apply to by phone and alert them of potential fraud.

  • Place social security number alerts with the three credit reporting agencies:

    • Equifax Fraud Department: call 1-800-525-6285 or visit equifax.com

    • Experian Fraud Department: call 1-888-397-3742 or visit experian.com

    • TransUnion Fraud Department: call 1-800-680-7289 or visit transunion.com

  • Contact the Social Security Administration: call 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov

  • Contact banks, lenders, insurance companies - any business that may use your social security number.

  • File a police report with your local department.

  • Contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338):

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert hiring coaches with any questions or concerns.

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