Tuesday, August 2, 2011

CAN YOU SPOT A SCAM???

Have you ever received a letter like this after applying for countless jobs?

Dear Applicant,

Thank you for taking an interest in this open position.

I am a human resources manager of the job application screening company. Job Helper is hired by small and large companies and businesses to find the qualified applicants in numerous areas.

Our client has forwarded us your recent email for this position. After reviewing your resume and backend information we have decided to move forward with qualification process. The client is looking for the right applicant for immediate hiring as the position is currently vacant. Please fill in our short application through the secure website as a next step before the live interview. This will take less than 5 minutes. Once you have submitted the form, our manager will contact you within 3-5 business days.

The secure online application is here:

http://jobhelper.org/application

Personal Application #: 6846340

Please note that application number is valid for 24 hours.

Kind Regards,
Lucie G.
Human Resources Manager


Well, don't get excited...It's a scam!  The link is meant to draw your personal information, capture your IP address and any other information they can get.  Delete it and keep on searching.

You can't totally avoid these types of scams (and there are many different kinds), but spotting them will help protect you from theft and cost you only frustration.  Some things to look for in other kinds of scams are:

1. An offer for a job you never interviewed for
2. The longer the email, the more likely its a scam
3. The owner is "not in the country", or is operating numerous companies
4. The email says how much they need you (sure sign its a scam)
5. ANY MENTION OF CASHING CHECKS, BANK ACCOUNTS, ETC.!!!!

Contact your local Career Services department for safe ways to apply for jobs and other time-saving, information-protecting ways to find employment.

Written on your behalf...
Maddy

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