Scams can happen almost anywhere now, especially online. With the rise of online jobs during the pandemic, there were also several online job scams that continue to deceive applicants. Being aware of common job scams and red flags to look for may help you avoid falling into a financial trap. However, if you are struggling with bankruptcy, then consider asking a Chattanooga bankruptcy attorney for help.
Types of Job Scams
Job scams can happen over the phone, in person, in certain job listings, and online. Some of the most common types of job scams in recent years tend to be online remote job offers. This makes differentiating between genuine remote job offers and scam jobs increasingly difficult and stressful.
Common types of online job scams include reshipping scams, reselling scams, virtual assistant or caregiver scams, mystery shopper scams, job placement service scams, and government job scams. Reshipping scams will tell you to receive a shipped package, discard the packing and repackage the item, and ship the item to a new address. This usually involves stolen items with a promised paycheck that never arrives.
Reselling scams claim you can make money by purchasing cheaper versions of products and reselling them. Usually, the product never arrives, and your money is not returned. Virtual assistant and caregiver scams offer to pay you upfront and send part of your pay to someone else. The checks are usually fake. Mystery shopper scams offer to pay you to shop.
Job placement service scams charge fees, lie, and provide outdated or false job offers. This type of service does not usually charge people money. Government job scams will make you pay money to be hired and claim they are a government employer. Paying to be hired is not standard practice.
Red Flags of Job Scams
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) points to several signs of job scams to look out for. Scammers tend to use non-professional means during the hiring process. This may look like non-business emails and a lack of information to support their claims. Many scam jobs will not conduct proper interviews in person or on video calls but rather through online messaging.
Other job scam red flags include moving too quickly through the hiring process, asking you to download files, and requiring you to pay fees. No one should have to pay a fee to go through a hiring process or to obtain a job. Scammers will also ask for a credit card or bank information early on in the process.
Grammatic errors, pressure for you to accept the job, inappropriate behaviors, making large promises, and rudeness are all common with online job scams. If you try to ask questions or bring up concerns, most employers will address these. Scammers will be rude or dismiss your concerns.
Call Tom Bible Law Today
Do not panic if you found yourself in a job scam. Start by contacting us at Tom Bible Law by dialing (423) 424-3116 for a consultation today about your financial dilemma. Our experienced team of Tennessee bankruptcy lawyers might be able to help you overcome your financial dilemma by filing for bankruptcy. We are located in the Tennessee cities of Chattanooga and Tullahoma.