Let’s face it, anyone who’s ever turned to the internet to find a job has always been concerned about being scammed. There are plenty of unethical people and companies who are just standing by, ready to take advantage of a vulnerable and perhaps even desperate job seeker. Unfortunately, some of these so-called companies take advantage of technology and put an unsuspecting person at risk for identity theft, rip-offs and more.
So how do you know who to trust and how can you tell if you’re being scammed? We asked renowned career coach and EmploymentCrossing.com president A. Harrison Barnes. He had a lot to say. “There are many out there who make it difficult for legitimate job boards and agencies to do their jobs”, said the EmploymentCrossing.com founder. “Still, there are a few things that can be done that will serve one well when seeking a new career opportunity”.
Barnes explains that before you can avoid these sites, you must know how to identify them. Do your research. Go to one of the security sites, such as McAfee, and input the site’s name before you visit it to see if the website has been reported as suspicious. Often, the website has identifiable trackers or has been known to infect other users’ computers. Naturally, you’ll want to steer clear.
Another good place to double check is the Better Business Bureau. The Federal Trade Commission will also have any record of ethics problems or illegal accusations. Both of these agencies have websites that should make it a quick chore. Ensure there is an address, email address, phone number and any other contact information available. Some experts even suggest checking to see if there are Facebook and Twitter pages available.
You can’t get rich quick, you can’t make hundreds of dollars with this “one easy trick” and you can’t earn a million dollars a year as a plastic surgeon without a medical degree.
It’s important to read the find print, too. Do not provide any personal information about yourself until and unless you’re convinced the company is legitimate. With the many abilities to know, within seconds, the validity of a company, we as consumers and job seekers have more opportunities to protect ourselves than ever before, says A. Harrison Barnes. It’s possible the worse scams are those “work from home” ads that inundate the internet and spam email boxes around the world. There are countless horror stories that each of us can learn something from.
Bottom line, says the EmploymentCrossing.com president, is to do all the research necessary to ensure you are confident in your choice. We strongly encourage job applicants to visit EmploymentCrossing.com. It’s one of the most well known and respected names in the employment sector and offers only those openings that are legitimate and accurate. The staff as a whole is dedicated to putting job seekers and employers together; and the site also has many resources available as well, including a resume service that can make your current resume shine or create one that will be effective, professional and accurate.
