Employment scams are on the rise in the tight labor market, CNBC reported. This year through October, more than 3,700 incidents were reported across the country, according to the Better Business Bureau’s scam tracker, more than double the approximately 1,800 recorded during the same time last year.
We reported on this earlier this year and CNBC’s report further demonstrates that the world is a dangerous place when it comes to overseas jobs. Our company will never ask a candidate for money for any reason, including paying for any travel or processing expenses, etc. so if asked assume if is a scam!
Counterfeit Website Scam:
We have seen a recent surge in fraudsters copying graphics from our website and others to send emails that appear to be from our company. This fraud is usually easy to spot because they tend to be crude, include misspellings and use Gmail or other mail services. Emails from us will always be formatted like this: [email protected]. If you ever get something suspicious do not hesitate to send it to our President, James R. Gettys at [email protected].
Important Scam Tips To Remember:
- Be very skeptical of overseas employment opportunities that sound “too good to be true.”
- Never give money to anyone to find you a job
- Never pay for or advance travel or other interview or relocation expenses.
- A legitimate firm will not make you buy your own airline tickets!
- Never send cash in the mail, and be extremely cautious with firms that require a money order, certified checks or any request for a payment to them! This could also indicate that the firm is attempting to avoid a traceable record of its transactions.
- Do not be fooled by official-sounding names. Many scam artists operate under names that sound like those of long-standing, reputable firms.
- Avoid working with firms that require payment in advance.
- Do not give your credit card or bank account number to anyone before you are employed!
- Read the contract very carefully. Have an attorney look over any documents you are asked to sign.
- Beware of an agency that is unwilling to give you a written contract. In fact, be cautious when dealing with any employment agency or hiring company that asks you for a fee!
- Do not hesitate to ask questions. You have a right to know what services to expect and the costs involved.
- Do not make a hasty decision. Instead, take time to weigh all the pros and cons of the situation. Be wary of demands that “you must act now.”
- If you do send money, keep a copy of all agreements you sign, as well as copies of checks you forward to the company.
Additional Sources on Scams
Wikipedia has a free encyclopedia of frauds and scams that are excellent: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Employment_scams