Protect yourself from job search scams: Don't let hackers exploit your job hunt
Job hunting can be stressful, and scammers make it even worse. Learn how bad actors use fake job ads to steal your personal information — and your money.
Like other scams, job application scam artists are looking for a way to manipulate your emotions. Sending a resume to a job with a high salary or great benefits is one way they can trick you into giving them your name, address, phone number, email, work history or other information.
“That's information they can use to steal your identity and impersonate you or sell it on the dark web,” says Keatron Evans, VP of Portfolio Product and AI Strategy for Infosec.
In this episode of Hacker Headlines, Evans explains how job search scams steal personal information.
Some scammers may want your money.
"One of the most common scams is a gift card scam or a purchasing scam,” Evans explains. “The scammers offer to hire you to act as their purchasing agent. They instruct you to purchase goods and ship them to another address. Gift cards are a common request. They say you'll be reimbursed, but once the goods are sent, they cut off contact. You've lost the money you spent, and you never hear from them again.”
Another common scam is a reshipping scam. In this case, you receive goods or funds from a third party and send them to a different address. Reshipping seems harmless, but criminals use reshipping to launder money, drugs or stolen goods. If you get involved in a reshipping scheme, you could be charged with the crime, so, naturally, you want to avoid that.
If a job requires you to pay an application or processing fee, it is likely a scam. Reputable businesses and corporations won’t charge such a fee.
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How can I avoid job scams?
Only apply for jobs through official channels and websites that are known and respected. If a job is found on a job board, spend a couple of minutes going to that organization's website, finding the job section and seeing if it is posted there.
Be aware of offers that sound too good to be true. Evans recommends avoiding the phrase “make money at home in your spare time.” Scammers will also provide job descriptions advertising easy work and high pay.
And never pay a company or recruiter. Reputable companies don’t do that. If you’re asked for money, cut off communication — it's most likely a scam.
"The rise of remote work makes it even harder to spot job scams, but a little common sense makes all the difference,” Evans says. “Go slow, think carefully and you can dodge the scammers and get a job that's perfect for you.”
Job hunting is stressful; scammers will hone in on your desperation to pull the rug from under you. However, you can protect yourself from these scams by exercising caution, thinking critically and using common sense.
How to defend against job search scams
Take your time, research thoroughly and trust your instincts. Doing so allows you to navigate the job market safely and secure a position that aligns perfectly with your aspirations.
Remember, your cybersecurity and financial well-being are as important as finding your dream job. Stay vigilant, stay safe and don't let the scammers win.
For more security awareness insights, check out our other episodes of Hacker Headlines. If you need more security awareness training resources for your organization, speak to someone at Infosec.
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