Job scams are the riskiest

Job scams are the riskiest
                        

Employment scams were the riskiest con of 2018, according to the latest report from the Better Business Bureau. These scams topped the list for men and women, three of BBB’s six age brackets, and for both students and veterans, according to data from the BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report (www.BBB.org/RiskReport).

In 2018 job scams often impersonated Amazon. The reason why? Amazon was frequently in the news with its high-profile search for a second headquarters. In 2017 only 24 BBB Scam Tracker reports were employment scams that mentioned Amazon. In 2018 that jumped to 564.

Amazon scams and other employment cons typically follow the same patterns. Scammers contact victims by finding resumes posted online, posting phony job listings or cold emailing targets. In most versions the target starts corresponding with the “business” about a job opening. The pay is good, you can start immediately and they don’t even require an in-person interview.

The catch of course is that job doesn’t really exist. The scammer may ask you to pay upfront for training or a background check. In other versions the con artist asks you to deposit a (fake) check and wire back part of the money. They may even get your bank account number to “direct deposit” your paycheck.

How to spot job scams:

Watch what information is requested. Scammers will often use the guise of running a credit check, setting up direct deposit or paying for training to get your personal information or money.

If a job looks suspicious, search for it online. Google the title and company name. If the result comes up in many other cities with the exact same post, it may be a scam.

Check out the business’ website. Scammers often falsely use the names of real businesses, so check for yourself. You also can give them a call to confirm the position exists.

The 10 riskiest scams of 2018 were employment, online purchase, fake checks/money orders, home improvement, advance fee loans, romance, tech support, investment, travel/vacation and government grant.

To read more on each of these types of scams, visit www.BBB.org/ScamTips. Go to www.BBB.org/RiskReport to read the BBB’s full report.

If you have been the victim of this or another scam, make others aware by filing a report on the www.BBB.org/ScamTracker.

Visit www.bbb.org/canton or call 330-454-9401 to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, read tips, follow us on social media and more.


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