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How to avoid falling victim to a Job Search related Identity Scam

Folks it is simple, DO NOT GIVE OUT YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION!!!

Sounds simple, doesn’t it!  But when you combine the emotional desperation that sometimes accompanies a long job search, you may understand why people time & time again fall victim to job search related identify theft. 

What to watch out for, red flags:

Beware of people claiming to be working for search firms representing confidential clients asking for you to fill out a detailed questionnaire that probes you for lots of personal information.  Sometimes they will try to justify it by telling you it is for a background check.  No legitimate company will conduct a background check prior to an application being filled out and an interview. 

However, some may ask you to fill out an application & personally bring it to your interview, that’s different. Before you do anything, do your homework!  Check out the search firm, view it’s web site, and call its office, check with a local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce.  Remember, if it is for real and if they are truly interested in you for the position, they will work to accommodate you & your concerns.  Most reputable search firms will conduct an in person interview(s) and or a series of phone screens before presenting you to its customer.  Also, they do not need any info other than your name, work experience & contact info prior to you actually interviewing with the company.  A background check prior to meeting the customer is a huge Red Flag! 

People asking you to fill out personal financial information surveys, prior to an employment interview. 

Any questioning or form collecting the following information:  mothers maiden name, bank account numbers, recent deposits, recent checks/debits, credit card number, drivers license number, rent/mortgage payment amounts etc. 

Never give out Social Security numbers to employers before an interview. Never give them credit card numbers and bank account numbers, even for a credit check. They are not necessary for a credit check.

Watch for warning flags in the email received. In many of the scams, the messages involved have spelling errors and grammatical mistakes. In addition, beware of requested a replies to a personal e-mail address. Any legitimate corporate correspondence should be going through corporate email.

Regardless of how much you need a job, you must think before you act.  Don't be afraid that you are asking too many questions. 

This Newsletter has been sponsored by Job Search Report, Free job search strategies!  Click Here to learn what over 20,000 members are currently doing to improve their job search prospects.