Scammers are very aware of the growing force of the unemployed. Because they have no conscience or compassion they target this market for information and abuse.
Here are some things to avoid:
Never put your home address on an internet resume, strangers can show up at your house, steal your stuff or steal your identity.
Your address can be delivered at the time of the interview.
For internet resumes:
YOUR NAME
YOUR CITY, STATE
PHONE
EMAIL
Never include your references unless you are absolutely sure it is an established company that has asked for them. They can steal your references information. Bring reference sheet in person.
I have seen "fake" websites sent in responses. These websites are meant to make a "company" look legit, but they are content only and generally when you click on the tabs they do not work. If there is no address or contact information on the website, I would not respond.
Do not respond to emails that say you need to bring in a credit score and "click to get one for free". They are not free. A legit company will get their own credit score. Once you put your information into the site you need to read the fine print. You will get a couple of days free then they charge your account. If you are not working you don't need the hassle of trying to close an account someone made a commission from once you clicked on the button.
I have seen responses that say you just need to take a test for intelligence or compatibility.
If they are from an official company website then do it. If it looks like a funky website you can find just by surfing, be cautious. Once you take the test if you are asked for your phone number to send your score, credit card or other information, be careful. You could have just signed up for a charge to be put on your cell phone bill.
If you are unsure if a company is legit, look it up!
Never, ever get caught up in scams that require you to put a check into your own account, then send someone else money or purchase inventory or products for another party. This scam is as old as the internet and amazingly still works!
Be smart! I understand we are desperate for work and the scammers know that. If it looks to good to be true it probably is!
Good luck and be careful.
For more job scams, free resume help, free interview tips, free job search sites, please visit
Employment Scams
If you would like to respond with your job scam experience, please do so and I will include it on another post.
