Mass layoffs are becoming common, especially in the tech and media industries.
Publications like The Washington Post, Vox Media and HuffPost significantly reduced their headcounts.
As a result, more and more people are scouring the internet for new jobs.
That also means youre more likely to encounter a job scam.
Heres what I found.
But maybe youre a little strapped for cash in the meantime.
That was a 16.5% increase from 2019.
Those complaints resulted in losses of $62,314,015 in 2020 up a massive 46% from the previous year.
Thanks to the rise of generative AI, fake job listings sound more legitimate now.
In the past, job scammers often used stilted language and poor grammar.
With access to tools like ChatGPT, they can create real-sounding job listings to make scamming job seekers easier.
My Job Scam Experience
As a freelancer, I frequentlyapply for contract roles.
I keep track of my applications as best I can.
The HR manager sent back a very generic job description.
Sounds like easy money, right?
From there, I completed an emailed screening questionnaire rather than being interviewed.
Hereshow to identify a job scamwhen searching for a new role.
The job description I received was extremely vague and generic.
Instead, it included key responsibilities like proofread content and meet deadlines.
Anyone could qualify for this role, whether fresh out of high school or with a decade of experience.
A legitimate recruiter will always use a company email address rather than a generic email.
However, thats not always the case.
Its a subtle difference, but a difference nonetheless.
If the salary on a job listing seems too good to be true, it could be a scam.
Also, this job was supposedly at a high school.
Why would they pay a contract proofreader more than most teachers make?
Which one is it?
The hiring process can be long and complex (sometimestoolong and complex).
In my case, my interview took place over email.
That questionnaire was my only interview before being offered the job.
My job scammer was careful not to raise my hackles by asking for this.
Even after offering me the job, they only asked for my full name, address and phone number.
Requests for Money
If a potential employer asks you for money, run far away.
But this is often how jobscams make their money.
There are several ways scammers might ask for money.
They might require you to wire them money as a screening fee or send them payment for work equipment.
In exchange, they might promise to reimburse you with your first paycheck but, surprise!
Once youve returned some of the money, the check will bounce.
Catherine Hiles is a Certified Financial Education Instructor and freelance writer specializing in personal finance and home improvement.
She lives in Ohio with her husband, two children and two energetic dogs.
