Protect Yourself from 5 Common Job Scams

Protect Yourself from 5 Common Job ScamsProtect Yourself from 5 Common Job ScamsWhile so much of it seems like a no-brainer, tough economic times can make it more challenging to protect yourself from common job scams. The most important thing to keep in mind is that something that seems too good to be true- a promise of easy money for not a lot of effort- should be given extra scrutiny and a healthy dose of skepticism.A job seeker searching the Internet for work-at-home opportunities will come across many scams that may steal a persons identity, their money, or trick them into committing criminal activity. Keep up on scam keywords that may be more likely to bring shady results.Be alert and protect yourself from these five common job scams.PhishingScammers using this tactic try to gain access to your personal information with the intent of stealing your identity. Generally posing as a known and trusted company, the possibility of employment is offered pending a pre-employment backgrou nd check.One known example is a fake job offer with Google/Zagat that requires some sort of fee- often a training fee- prior to starting. Its not a real offer and any money sent is going to a scammer.Money MovementThese scams often present themselves in one of two forms. The check cashing scam offers a commission to individuals who will receive a commission for cashing a check through their personal accounts and wiring the remainder of the money to someone usually located outside the United States. Unfortunately, the check ends up being bogus and the individual is faced with cleaning up a financial mess. On the surface, it seems like an easy trap to spot. However, the people who set up these scams are skilled at building relationships and making job seekers comfortable.There is a similar scheme that involves money laundering, with the main difference being that the victim is asked to transfer money in and out of their own account. The money actually exists, but it is likely to have been acquired through illegal channels and puts the victim in a position to have criminal charges brought against them.Package ProcessingAlso known as reshipping, these job seekers are told to receive shipped goods, which are repackaged and shipped to new locations. Typically, the goods have been ordered with stolen credit card numbers. The middleman (you) is subject to arrest for the transport of stolen goods.Assembling ProductsThis scam is often framed as a firm working with companies that need products assembled for the end user. For an enrollment fee, the job seeker is told they will have access to the portfolio of jobs offered by the various businesses, all with different items to assemble and varying pay scales. Be aware of how to spot scams in work-from-home jobs and avoid being a target.Envelope StuffingEarn $500-$2,000 a week Free postage and supplies, no advertising Weve all seen these advertisements for jobs that promise earnings for each envelope stuffed once a small fee is paid. According to the Federal Trade Commissions consumer information on envelope stuffing schemes, its rare that anyone ever gets paid.No matter what the job opportunity is, be sure to complete your due diligence and ask a lot of questions. If anything ever feels off, its best to take the conservative approach and walk away.Readers, what are some other jobs that leave you wondering whether or not theyre common job scams?