GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – This back-to-school season, many college students are on the lookout for flexible, part-time employment to help cover their school expenses, but the Better Business Bureau says that has opened a door for scams.An easy job, high paying and no interviewer needed.
Those words are enticing to college students and the poison that scammers use to take their money. Susan Bach of the Better Business Bureau says it starts with an email for a job offer that looks good.
“It could be faking that it is from the school itself or from the professor, but they are basically offering bogus jobs.”
The jobs often seem easy and the pay sounds good.
“Doing research for somebody or pet sitting, but in the long run they turn out to be fake check scams.”
She says unlike a typical hiring process, it is quick and easy.
When you reply to the message, things start to get strange. The “employer” hires you without an interview. T
“They just hire you on the spot. We find that is one of the reasons why college students are falling for them.”
Th then send you a check with instructions to deposit it before you’ve even done any work. You are instructed to use this money to purchase gift cards, money orders, prepaid debit cards, or other supplies you’ll need for your new job.
Part of what you purchase should be sent to your new employer. The rest of the money will be your payment.
The problem, the check is fake.
“You are withdrawing money from your own account and wiring it and then it is gone for good.”
How to Avoid Employment Scams
- Do your research. Before you say yes to any job, research the company that wants to hire you. Does the company have a professional website and legitimate contact information? Search for what others saying about their experience with this company.
- Beware of red flags. Scammers often send emails with many typos and grammatical errors. They offer to hire you without an interview and even pay you before you’ve done any work. None of these are behaviors of a reputable business.
- Never send money to strangers. Never send funds in the form of cash, checks, gift cards or wire transfers to someone you don’t know or haven’t met. No legitimate company will ask you to pay them to get a job.
