Job Scams: Red Flags to Look Out For

If you’re feeling the pressure to find a job, especially if you’re a recent college grad with student loan repayment looming, you might be tempted to pursue some of the job listings you’re seeing in your texts, emails, and on social. Here’s why you shouldn’t take the bait: they’re probably scams. Here’s what you have to look out for to make sure you don’t have your money-making dreams crashed before they’ve even started.

Red flags to look for

You should do your due diligence for every job you apply for, but some will require more than others. Here are a few common red flags you should keep an eye out for when you’re looking for a new job.

• They text you out of the blue
• You have to pay them for training
• You have to buy your own supplies/inventory
• The job isn’t posted on a traditional job board
• You can’t find them on workplace review websites like Glassdoor or Indeed

Green flags to look for

• Opening posted on a job board, like Indeed or LinkedIn
• They’re upfront about information
• Have a local office you can visit (if the job is hybrid or in-person)
• Apply directly on the company website
• You know others who work there
• Communication is by phone or email

 

Remember: always question why someone might be trying to get you to send them money. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You can find more information about different types of job scams by visiting the Federal Trade Commission page about them.

One thing we can guarantee is that our job listings are very much real! Do you share the values of Heart to Serve, Communication, Accountability, Teamwork, and Growth too? Visit our Careers page to see our current open roles and find out if one is right for you.