ATLANTA — Unemployment rates have cooled, but the job market is still competitive, with some economists calling it oversaturated. As people struggle to land an interview, they may be willing to entertain any opportunity that promises pay and a quick start date.
The Better Business Bureau is now warning to be wary of the job offers that sound too good to be true.
Employment scams are now one of the biggest threats to consumers, ranking second on the Better Business Bureau's Scam Tracker Risk Report. For people between the ages of 18 and 44, it’s the most dangerous scam they are likely to encounter.
So, how does this scam usually play out?
Well, it starts off looking pretty normal. People typically apply for a job through a trusted third-party site, such as LinkedIn or Indeed, or maybe explore a job post on social media and send a message expressing interest.
People might get a follow-up message asking if they are still interested in the job — or if they'd like to apply for a similar position at the same company. Next, they invite the jobseeker for an interview — but that's where the red flags start popping up.
First, they might ask the jobseeker to download a messaging app to conduct the interview. Some scams might suggest doing the whole interview by text.
Then comes the big giveaway: an on-the-spot job offer — often with an incredibly high salary.
Some scammers will go even further by asking for banking details for direct deposit or sending a check to buy equipment, which often turns out to be fake.
Reports of these types of scams increased by 54% from 2022 to 2023, according to the BBB. In fact, the BBB says victims of these scams reported losing a median amount of $1,995.
Avoid falling for employment scams
So, how can you avoid falling for one of these scams? Do your homework.
Visit the company’s official website, find contact info, and double-check if it is actually hiring for the position. Ask about the hiring process and salary; if it doesn’t match what you’ve experienced so far, you might be dealing with a scammer.
Be wary of being offered an extremely high-paying job without a formal interview; it's probably fake. Trust your instincts, do your research, and stay safe.