Employment scammers at a fever pitch during virus crisis

Many people are looking for work during this pandemic. Many businesses are hiring. Unfortunately, a crisis is a perfect environment for scammers to prey on people.

Falling for a job scam puts your identity, reputation and finances at risk. The Better

Business Bureau warns it’s important to protect yourself and your personal information during your job search.

Employment scams were the No. 1 riskiest two years in a row according to the 2019 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report. According to BBB Scam Tracker, 1,055 employment scams have been reported across North America this year.

BBB offers these tips to consider when searching jobs:

■ Research the company before clicking a link or sharing personal information. Check the real company’s job page to see if the position is posted.

■ Be wary of companies contacting you about a job. Most companies don’t search for you; they wait for you to come to them.

■ Be skeptical if the job description is vague and you’re only able to find limited information about the hiring company.

■ Read reviews of the company you intend to apply to before making your final decision.

■ Don’t agree to a background check from someone you’ve never met.

■ Beware of offers made without an interview. A real company will want to talk to a candidate before hiring.

■ Check out the company on social media. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram can be a great way to find additional perspectives on a company.

■ Look out for spelling and grammar errors. Employment scams are often fraught with errors.

■ Know legitimate firms usually do not use public e-mail accounts like Gmail and Hotmail.

■ Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If the company is evasive, consider abandoning the opportunity.

Consider it a red flag if you are accidentally overpaid and asked to deposit the check and wire back the difference. Or, you’re asked to pay for expensive equipment, supplies or training. Likewise, be wary of companies offering a high salary for unskilled labor. Always be wary of work-from-home or secret shopper positions, or any job with a generic title.

Positions that don’t require special training or licensing appeal to a wide range of applicants. Scammers know this and use these otherwise legitimate titles in their fake ads.

For more information about finding a job, visit bbb.org or call 937-222-5825 or 800-7765301. BBB can provide lists of BBB Accredited Businesses in industries you’d like to work and Business Profiles on companies you’re considering.