Beware of Job Search Scams

Desperate job seekers are falling victim to scam artists aiming to steal their personal information or take money from them in the form of application fees. Linda M. Ginac of the Ginac Group offers some important tips on what to look for and how to verify whether of not a company is legitimate.

1. Verify the URL website address to ensure it is legitimate

We had a client apply for a job at Dell. Upon further investigation, we discovered the URL was not directing to www.dell.com Rather, it directed to www.del1.com . The application site was not real, but it looked legitimate.

2. Only use recruiters with a solid reputation and have positive referrals from people you know

Most recruiters do a fine job, however, we are seeing more and more phoney recruiters. They pretend to represent big name companies and companies with no brand recognition that they pass off as start-ups. If a recruiter asks you for money up front or other personal information, run the other way. Most recruiters are paid by the employer. In addition, some companies post their authorized providers on their website. Check the company's website to verify if the recruiter is an authorized vendor.

3. Investigate offers that sound too good to be true.

Use the Better Business Bureau to verify that companies are real· We had a client receive a stellar offer by a company that appeared to be legitimate. They had a fantatic website with loads of testimonials. Their job description was top-notch. They conducted two-professional phone screens and sent follow-up information. Then, they invited a few top notch candidates to a hotel room for final interviews. Upon arrival, they asked candidates to complete an extensive application and background check. The company turned out to be a hoax!

4. Never accept a job that requires you to cash/deposit checks or money orders and keep a percentage of amount

This is one of the most pervasive scams hitting America right now. This is not a legitimate business and is a front for money laundering.

5. Be wary of job boards with minimal brand recognition.

Stick to the national brands such as monster, careerbuilder and flipdog or well-known industry association job boards. Job boards are fronts for scam artists. It is hard to tell the real from the fake because everything seems legitimate from job postings to advertisements and the online application process. It may be tempting to post your resume to many sites when times are desperate, but it could cause serious problems for you.

For more information, visit the Ginac Group website.