frustrated woman on laptop

TOP 10 TIPS FOR FRAUDULENT JOBS

  1. DO YOU KNOW THE SENDER?

    If an employer you do not know or did not previously contact sends you an email, that email is highly suspect and you should delete or proceed with caution.  Some employers will even state that they are replying to an email you sent them (which is a lie) in an attempt to get you to reply, providing information.  Do not reply and report this activity to our office.

  2. LITTLE EFFORT, HIGH REWARD

    Often, fraudulent positions offer high rewards and a quick turn-around for little initial effort.  Be cautious of these advertisements.  You may be offered a large payment or reward in exchange for allowing the use of your bank account (often for depositing checks or transferring money).  Avoid these situations.

  3. YOUR SAN JAC STUDENT EMAIL

    San Jacinto College will never sell or supply your email address without your permission.  If an employer claims they did receive your email from a San Jacinto College representative, confirm that fact with the SJC Career Services Office or a San Jacinto College employee.

  4. EMAIL EXTENSION

    If the employer’s email address is not representative of their company (or few details about the company are provided), the message is suspicious.  The majority of legitimate company representatives would not use an email address different from their own company web address extension.  For example:

    Jane Smith from Peach Tree Accounting sends you an email about a potential job.

    Her email would appear as jsmith@peachtree.com or something similar.

    Her email, if legitimate, would not be “janepeach@yahoo.com” or “janesmith@gmail.com”.

    IMPORTANT: Even if the email does appear legitimate, some criminals go to great lengths to disguise their scams, so always proceed with caution or contact our office to verify legitimacy. 

  5. JOB SEARCH SITES

    Some employer-imposters pose as legitimate employers using job search sites (monster, indeed, etc.) to take advantage of unsuspecting students or alumni. Many job sites do allow for legitimate communication to take place between an employer and applicant, so this is not unusual. However, remain cautious and always verify information if you have any doubts.

  6. PAY TO WORK

    Any position offered where you must pay any “initial startup” fees (or similar), membership, or privilege/application fees should be avoided.  Also avoid those asking for your credit card, checking or other bank account information.

  7. WORK FROM HOME

    Legitimate opportunities to work from home do exist, but be careful when inquiring.  Many use catchy phrases like “make $200 a day” or similar statements.  Avoid these “employers”. 

  8. HIRED WITH NO INTERVIEW

    You merely supplied your contact information and they “hired” you.  This is not common for any employer that works with our office to hire students.

  9. NO CONTACT/PERSONAL INFO

    If you are asked to provide your contact/personal information (even sometimes a photo) in the 1st email you receive, do not reply.  The sender is merely hoping to acquire your data and possibly steal your identity.

  10. YOU RECEIVE A CHECK IN THE MAIL

    DO NOT process the check.  This is an attempt to steal your bank account/personal information.  Employers may ask you to do this as part of an application process or test to get hired.  Do not reply to the employer and notify our office immediately.