Job Scams Growing

I was recently contacted by a consulting firm. I was then given a quick interview and asked for my social security number when I was offered the job. Reluctantly I gave it. Afterwards I wondered ‘Was this an online scam’. After a minor panic attack, I spent the weekend researching the person that had been calling and emailing me. Luckily, it turned out to be legit. I was luckly. It made me realize just how easy it is to fall for job scams, which are more common these days.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement that you might have a new job, especially if you’re like me and don’t have one at the moment. Many online predators are taking advantage of this. They ask for your social security number or money in exchange for finding you a job. Even more common is that I’ve seen legit consulting firms waste your time getting your information, not to find you at job, but so that they can learn who your contacts are in order to get their business.

My advice would be to review job ads carefully and apply directy to companies. If you have to go through a consuting firm or headhunter, be damn sure you know who they are and what they’re about.