With so many people out of work right now, unfortunately, the scammers are out in full force. The Better Business Bureau is warning job-seekers about potential scams, and wants people to know how to avoid becoming victims.
According to the BBB, employment scams are on the rise, with thousands reported in Florida alone. A new report by the BBB shows 53% of the people targeted by employment scams are unemployed and roughly 75% of the people scammed are in a personal financial crisis. When we're stressed, we tend not to make the best decisions, so here are some tips on how to avoid scammers.
1) If the job posting has multiple grammatical errors and misspellings, it's usually a scam.
2) A potential employer will never ask for your personal financial information, like credit cards, bank account numbers, etc. They should also not require you to pay for anything as part of the interview process, like fees or supplies. Some employers may run a credit check, but they would not need banking information to perform this. Also beware of anyone online asking you to purchase gift cards.
3) Research the company online to see their reviews. A handful of bad reviews isn't unusual, but the nature of the complaints should give you some insight as to whether or not the employer or position is legitimate.
4) Lastly, if you're unsure, reach out to the BBB for an official inquiry. If you suspect something is a scam, don't be afraid to report it, to help others not fall victim.
[WPTV]