How to Tell If a Job Listing or Job Ad is Fake

I got this as a comment on another post and realized it was a question many of you might be wondering about. So without further ado:

Hi Ronnie Ann,

Thanks a LOT for the advice. It was VERY nice of you to provide the much needed quick response. I will definitely let you know what happens with the result whatever it may be. That was helpful and I appreciate it. Thanks for the wishes too!

There is a much more disturbing problem when it comes to job search. There are a LOT of fake jobs being posted out on the internet and are there any fool-proof techniques to weed out the fake ones from the genuine pool of jobs?

It is a very tough time for most job seekers at this point of time with just a couple of months before the hiring season will come to an end in 2008 which might pick up again only after mid-January. Any advice on that? (I’m sure you are the right person to answer that).

Ryan

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Hi Ryan!

That’s kind of you to think I’m the right person, but truth is I’m not an expert in that area. Barely an expert in most areas. Still, I will do my best to answer.

You’re right to bring this up as an important issue. Personally, when I find a job on the internet, I do my research. If it says it’s a corporation, I check to see if it’s listed on any stock exchange; in the U.S. they must file with the SEC. Of course, private companies have different filings that I believe are not required to be public, but never hurts to try. I also check their website and see if it feels legitimate; some websites, of course, are set up to legitimize fakes so be careful.

Search for information on the company listing the job ad

I check for newspaper articles or PR releases or any trace of their being a real company. I also do separate searches using the name of the company along with each of these words: problem, caution, phony, fake, careful, illegal, scam, hoax, indicted, and investigation. (You can come up with your own, of course.)

If they tell you the name of the head of the company, do a search on that person too. The internet can be your best ally when it comes to investigating a company’s legitimacy.

You can also contact the Better Business Bureau and maybe even the local government or the attorney general’s office if you need more information. Better to be safe than sorry.

If the job ad or company feels fishy, don’t bite

Other clues can come from what they promise you or any special deals they try to make. If they want to pay you off the books or try to get you to do something that doesn’t feel quite right, trust your instincts and walk away. If they are willing to cheat the government or competitors or play fast and loose with the law, they can just as easily cheat you.

If you have any suspicion they are not legitimate, stay away. Hard as it is to get a job, it’s worse to work for a place that is deceptive and maybe even fraudulent. And if you aren’t sure, ask to see their annual report or any published information about the company. Of they smell fishy, don’t bite!

Use recruiters if possible and go to company websites yourself to find the real ads. Companies, government agencies, educational institutions and non-profits all usually list their openings on their websites. Use well-known newspaper and job search websites (not that you don’t still have to be careful and do your own research). Also, contact people you know or former teachers, employers, etc. to network and seek out your own jobs. It takes more work, but it’s well worth it.

Links That Offer Job Scam Advice

Here are some links I found that offer a bit more advice:

Beware of fake job offers and internet scams

Scambusters.org

Monster.com Security Center

I especially want to remind people NOT to give out personal information like social security or bank account/credit card numbers. Only if you get an actual job are you required to provide a Social Security number. And never send money to or agree to cash a check for a company you don’t know!

Thanks for the excellent question, Ryan. I’m hoping this helps people.

Good luck!

Ronnie Ann

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In case you’re curious, this comes from comments in an earlier post:

How to Tell If a Job Interview Went Well 2008/08/31

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New Work Coach Cafe Policy:

Although I had to stop answering individual questions (to preserve my sanity), your thoughts and stories are VERY welcome here.

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