I want to remind everyone of the importance of being vigilant and watching out for any potential job scams and other email hoaxes. As a reminder, the Career Services and Internship Program team utilizes a comprehensive vetting process to review all job postings in BSU’s Handshake system. We encourage you to use BSU’s Handshake portal to apply for jobs and internships.
WARNING SIGNS
Look out for the following warning signs in any job posting you encounter:
- The hiring manager promises a large salary with minimal work required.
- The hiring manager offers you a position without any interviewing process being conducted.
- The hiring manager uses a personal email or an address that doesn’t match the company name.
- The position expects you to transfer wire funds between accounts or asks you to pre-pay any expense.
- The company sends you a large check and requires you to cash it using your personal account.
- The company/hiring manager asks for personal information like social security number or bank account.
- The company asks for your personal information before sharing the job description.
Remember:
- Do not deposit any checks before you start working at a new job
- Do not lend any money or pay fees to prospective employers
- Do not pay any fees in exchange for employment
- Do not share any personal information unless it is submitted to a trusted source
- Do not purchase any gift card or items on behalf of a company
- Be aware of any free checks or calls that look questionable and ask for personal information
- Apply for jobs directly to the company website, Handshake, and any other trusted source
For more information, visit The Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information on Job Scams.
RESOURCES FOR REPORTING SUSPICIOUS EMPLOYERS AND FRAUDULENT JOB POSTINGS
Are you the victim of a fraudulent job posting? Please see the following resources available for you to get help.
- Call your financial company immediately and put a hold on your cards and account.
- Place a freeze on your credit report. You can do so by contacting the three major credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, Trans Union.
- Save all correspondence with the potential scammer and any other proof like receipts, bank account information, etc.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Unit accepts reports of job scams and provides instructions for filing a complaint.
- Report the scam to the FTC
- U.S. Department of Justice accepts reports of job scam incidents over the Internet.
Remember to trust your instincts. If communication with an employer or company feels suspicious, end the communication, report the email by clicking “Report Phishing.” Report fraudulent activity to us immediately so we can provide you with additional guidance. Please get in touch with us at careerservices@bridgew.edu.
