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Step 1
Don't pay a dime. While some job websites may charge a fee to join, be leery and do your research on them. And when it comes to paying for uninsurance benefits, never do it. You should never have to pay for a job or give money upfront to get one.
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Step 2
Pay attention to email addresses. A legitimate company will not use a hotmail.com or gmail.com server. So if you see them and are encouraged to apply, try doing a Google search of the entire email address to see what comes up.
In addition to links that claim to be for a company's website, don't call a number that they give you. It could be a phishing scam that directs you to a bogus Web or telemarketing center in an attempt to gather more personal information from you. -
Step 3
Do your research. Another way to investigate a company that is mysterious with details is to research the phone number on a website like Hoovers.com. You can also do research online about popular job-related scams, or contact the Better Business Bureau to verify if a company is legit.
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Step 4
Guard your personal information. If job scammers get a hold of your personal information, identity theft can likely follow. Job applications can request your name, address and phone number, but when they start asking for your social security number (unless it's on a corporate website's secure server) you could be in trouble. If you're not sure about the job outfit, don't give out your information.
This can be a double-edged sword, as many legitimate companies request the information. Try not to think you are upsetting them by calling the Human Resources Department to ask for confirmation of a secure policy; many recruiters understand that job-seekers are just trying to safeguard themselves. -
Step 5
Be aware of federal job scams. Yes, the federal government is hiring and many scammers are taking advantage of that by offering fake test-practice materials for non-existent exams. They also try to get credit card numbers by claiming to sell informational packets to help you get a government job. For legitimate information about federal jobs, go to the USA Jobs website or check out Kiplinger.com for Marty Nemko's Land a Government Job Now section (see Resources below).
Comments
MyJB said
on 11/9/2009 I enjoyed reading the information in this article. Guarding your personal information is paramount. Thanks for sharing. 5*
keimanzero said
on 11/8/2009 Can you guys answer a question for me? Why is it that so many top notch businesses have great websites yet NO email addresses? Cas in point is my crooked mtge company AHMSI.com. Hit Contact Us and you get a postal address and bloody phone numbers! I have a hot Gaelic temper and avoid phones as much as possible. I prefer emails, blogs and chat rooms for communiques. Thanks or listening- K&K- Brookhaven PA-USA
keimanzero said
on 11/8/2009 Thanks for the headsup advice but they ALL ask for money! Do YOU know any legitimate job offers where I work from my home PC and pay nothing- just do the work and receive payment? An honest job for an honest pay? I cannot find any of the GD things! I have been outta work since last Oct 08 and there are NO jobs around here for my previous job type- real estate title insurance! Thanks and sayonara for now. Kami bless you- K&K in Brookhaven PA-USA
vikki9 said
on 11/7/2009 Caution is good.
Fike said
on 11/6/2009 I'm not sure about Step 2. I suppose it depends on whether you define "legitimate" as "those companies who don't use that e-mail addresses" by fiat. But if that's right, it's a pretty arbitrary standard these days. However, it certainly does invite caution. Thanks for the article!