You've updated your resume and are applying for jobs that interest you. You really want to focus on remote opportunities after the positive experience you've had either by taking classes remotely, enjoying the flexibility, or you just don't want to commute anymore. One day, you get a message on LinkedIn or apply for a job you found, and the position sounds amazing.

But is it too amazing? Too perfect?

It's no secret that the pandemic has changed how many of us work and interact. We know that remote work is here to stay, from virtual school to video conferences. As of May 2021, LinkedIn reported a 357% increase in remote work job posts. No longer just the mystery shopper appointments and selling products out of your home, many industries have embraced remote work not just as a perk. In this environment, scams and job fishing have increased. Here are some ways to identify scams, job phishing, and what to do after the fact.

Common Misspellings & Grammar Errors

Slight misspellings of words or grammatical errors are top red flags. Bumpy sentence structure and turns of phrase can indicate scams. 

Payment & Banking Information

The employer may request that you pay for a starter kit, purchase equipment and provide your banking information to receive reimbursement, deposit a check initially and return the money. Any company requesting funds, banking information or a credit card from you upfront is fraudulent. If you are concerned about providing the information to an employer, just ask why do they need it. Pushy replies and replies with a sense of urgency on their part are red flags.

Check the Domain Names

Does the email address match the company name and domain in your email correspondence with the recruiter? Scammers will advertise for large, well-known companies but may use a different email account. Real recruiters have a corporate email address. Also, if their email provides links, don't click them. Hover over the hyperlink to check what the web address is. Don't click on links from someone you don't know.

Anonymity

Is the person you correspond with vague about their name or title? Is there no address for the company? Do they tell you that there isn't an office set up YET, but it is under construction? The physical address was real in a recent job phishing scam, but the location was residential with no plans to change into commercial space. A simple map search found the discrepancy.

Just Too Good

If the working hours seem slight for high compensation, this could indicate a fraudulent position. Searching Indeed and Glassdoor for comparable jobs with salaries can give you a better idea if the compensation is too good to be true. 

What To Do?

Do your due diligence. If the position is with a well-known company, visit the company website and look for an open position there. Keep your personally identifiable information safe. Don't provide banking information, credit card information or your social security number before completing proper hiring documents such as an I-9 and W-4. If you have questions about their hiring process, ask! Human Resources will happily talk you through their paperwork and hiring process for a legitimate position. Don't accept cashier checks or money orders as payment and then purchase gift cards or send additional money elsewhere.

You can report fraudulent jobs to the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/ or to your state Attorney General. If you think you are a victim of an employment scam, visit https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed for detailed steps to proceed.