These days, job seekers have to be extra careful when applying for jobs. Unfortunately, there are many scammers out there who are looking to take advantage of people who are desperate for work. Here are three of the most common types of job scams that you should be on the lookout for:

1. The Advance Fee Scam

In this type of scam, the perpetrator tells the victim they have been selected for a job opportunity. However, in order to secure the position, the victim must first pay a fee. This fee can be for anything, from training materials to a background check. Of course, once the victim pays the fee, they will never hear from the scammer again.

Red flags of an advance fee job scam:

• They request the fee upfront.
• The job offer seems too good to be true.
• The employer is vague about the details of the job.
• They request payment in the form of wire money or money order.

2. The Fake Job Listing Scam

This is a very common scam, and it can be difficult to spot. The scammer will post a job listing online, usually on a job board or classifieds website. The job sounds too good to be true. When the victim applies, the scammer asks for personal information such as their Social Security number or bank account details. The scammer will then use this information to steal the victim’s identity.

Red flags of a fake job listing scam:

• The job listing is on a free classifieds website.
• The contact information for the employer is fake.
• There are grammatical errors in the job listing.
• They requests personal information before you have even interviewed for the job.

3. The Fake Interview Scam

In this scam, the perpetrator will contact the victim and arrange a phone or Skype interview. During the interview, they will ask the victim personal questions such as their address or date of birth. They may even go so far as to ask for a copy of the victim’s driver’s license or passport. The scammer will then use this information to commit identity theft.

Red flags of a fake interview scam:

• They contact you out of the blue for an interview.
• The interviewer asks personal questions that are not relevant to the job.
• The interviewer is vague about the details of the job.
• They ask for personal information or documents during the interview.

4. The Fake Job Offer Scam

In this scam, the perpetrator will contact the victim and offer them a job. The job sounds too good to be true, and the scammer asks for personal information or documents such as your Social Security number or bank account details. The scammer will then use this information to commit identity theft.

Red flags of a fake job offer scam:

• They offer a job you didn’t apply for it.
• The job offer seems too good to be true.
• The employer is vague about the details of the job.
• They request personal information or documents.
• They ask for payment in the form of wire money or money order.

5. The Work-from-Home Scam

In this scam, the scammer offers a work-from-home job. The perpetrator will usually say that the victim can make a lot of money by working just a few hours a day. However, in order to start working, the victim must first pay a fee. This fee can be for anything, from training materials to a background check. Of course, once the victim pays the fee, they will never hear from the scammer again.

Red flags of a work-from-home scam:

• They request an upfront fee.
• The job offer seems too good to be true.
• The employer is vague about the details of the job.
• You are told to wire money or send a money order.
• You are only given a PO box as a contact address.

If you come across any of these job scams, be sure to report them to the proper authorities such as the FBI IC3. By doing so, you can help protect yourself and others from becoming victims of job opportunity scams. 

Remember, if you are ever contacted about a job opportunity that seems too good to be true, be sure to do your research. Check the company’s website and make sure the job listing is legitimate. If you can’t find any information about the company or the job, it’s probably a scam. Never give out personal information to someone you don’t know, and if you are ever asked to pay a fee to secure a job, walk away.