As the job
market tightens and unemployment hovers over 10 percent, identity thieves are increasing
targeting job seekers. One of the
most common job search scams involves sending an email to job seekers
redirecting them to a website where identity thieves collect sensitive
information such as the job seeker’s social security number, address, phone
number and bank account information.
The thieves say that they need your social security number to conduct a
job search and they need your bank account for direct deposit. Watch out! If
you give them this information you could be their next identity theft victim. Here’s what you need to know:
1.
Do not
share your social security number with a potential employer too early in the
process. Generally speaking, most
employers only ask for your social security number after they have interviewed
you and when they are ready to make a job offer. Even if these online scammers
say that they need your social security number for citizenship verification,
identity, tax purposes etc., don’t reveal that information to them.
2.
Do your research. Conduct a background
check on potential employers before you fill out the application. Don’t submit an application containing
personal information for “anonymous” employers. Find out the name of the
company and start with a simple Google search and search with the better
business bureau in their area. What shows up? Are they legitimate? If you can’t
verify their legitimacy, move on to the next employer.
3.
Don’t give
out your bank account information to potential employers. Some scammers will tell you that they
need your bank account information for direct deposit and may even deposit a
small amount of money into your account and then take it out for “verification”
purposes. If you authorize them to do this, your bank account will be wiped
out.
4.
Don’t
consent to a background check before you have interviewed with an employer and
they are considering you for the position. Once again, scammers will rely on
the “background check” excuse to get your social security number. Remember, no
legitimate employer needs to conduct a background check on you unless they are
seriously considering you for the position.