The vast majority of job searches and applications are now done over the internet.  It’s fast, convenient and effective; but there’s a dark side too.  Some unscrupulous scammers are out to target job seekers by mining personal data that can be used against them in identity theft schemes. Let’s take a look at how job seekers can protect themselves:

1. Make sure identifiers such as email address and website match with the company offering the job.  Identity thieves sometimes use real jobs to mine information from job seekers. The copy a job ad and repost it on their website or email it to their targets in the hopes that the job seeker will respond.  If you notice that a job ad is coming from an anonymous email address or one that doesn’t match they ad, beware it may be a scammer.
2. Do your research.  Before applying to a job on the internet, do a little research to make sure the company is actually real and that they don’t have any complaints filed against them regarding scams.  A simple Goggle search of the company’s name plus the word “complaints” will give you insight into any problems others may have experienced with the company.
3. Do not send personal information such as your social security number through email. Some scammers will ask job seekers for their social security number so that they can verify their identity, citizenship or conduct a background check.  If someone requests this information over the internet simply don’t send it. Citizenship verification and background checks are done after the job candidate has interviewed and received a job offer.
4. Do not give anyone your bank account information over the internet. Some scammers claim they need the job seeker’s bank account number to setup direct deposit.  You do not need to give any employer your bank account information to setup direct deposit; this can be done directly with your bank.