Job Seekers Beware of Bogus Job Postings on the Internet
Job seekers beware! Bogus foreign companies are advertising in help wanted ads on Internet job sites like Monster.com, CareerBuilders.com or Yahoo HotJobs and CraigsList.com. The ads claim to be looking for a "Secret Shopper" to work for Dow Chemical, Inc. in Midland, MI.
In one scenario a job applicant upon application, received an e-mail reply stating the applicant would be paid $300 for every duty carried out, a bonus on transportation allowance, and funds would be given for dining expenses. They also claim that no commitment is made on this job, and the applicant would have flexible hours only 2-3 hours twice a week. Finally the company claims they are registered by the appropriate authorities and are licensed to operate under legal and licensed organization of the Better Business Bureau of the U.S.A. Job seekers are asked to forward additional personal information by e-mail if they are interested in the position. The reply e-mail address is based with an organization operating in the United Kingdom.
Dow Chemical states that these job postings do not come from them. They do not post job openings on internet websites like CraigsList.com. They only take applications through their corporate website.
The Better Business Bureau offers the following tips to help job seekers avoid these types of scams:
· Do not be fooled by official-sounding corporate names. Some scam artists operate under names that sound like those of long-standing, reputable firms.
· Be skeptical of any “Secret Shopper”, “Mystery Shopper, or “Investigative Shopper” companies that appear to be located outside of the United States.
· Never forward or transfer money from any of your personal accounts on behalf of your employer. Also, be suspicious if you are asked to “wire” money to an employer. If a legitimate job requires you to make money transfers, the money should be withdrawn from the employer’s business account, not yours.
· Do not give out your personal financial information. A potential legitimate employer will not request your bank account, credit card or Paypal account number. Only provide your banking information if you are hired by a legitimate company and you choose to have your paycheck direct deposited.
· Do not fax copies of your ID or Social Security number to someone you have never met. Credit checks and fake IDs can be obtained with this information. Only give these documents to your employer when you are physically at the place of employment.
· Be skeptical of job postings that appear too good to be true.
· If you have questions about the legitimacy of a job listing, contact your Better Business Bureau, your state or local consumer agency or the Federal Trade Commission.