Avoid job scams

Posted on: June 5, 2019; Updated on: June 5, 2019
By Ashley Elliott, aelliott@mailbox.sc.edu

As summer gets underway there are more employment opportunities, including part-time and full-time jobs, internships, and co-ops available for students. Unfortunately, there has also been a recent increase of job-related scams targeting college campuses nationwide. The University of South Carolina Career Center has a few tips to help keep you safe from potential scams.

Remember that jobs posted through the university’s official career management platform, Handshake, have been vetted by Career Center staff. You can search and apply for thousands of opportunities at Handshake, or check out the “Let’s Get to Work” announcements at sc.edu/students to see a list of some currently available positions.

Be sure to steer clear of emails that do not mention UofSC or Handshake specifically. If the email does not contain a specific job title or the sender is requesting you to provide personal information via email, report it to phishing@sc.edu. You can also contact the Career Center for help validating the legitimacy of a job offer or opportunity.

Other red flags that indicate a potential scam include:

  • You are asked to provide credit card, bank account, or personal financial information.
  • You are asked to transfer money and retain a portion as payment for your work.
  • You receive an unexpectedly large check in the mail. DO NOT attempt to cash it or deposit it into your account. Contact your local police department immediately.
  • The contact appears to be from a reputable company, but the domain in their email address does not match the domain used by the company (such as the contact using @gmail, @yahoo, @hotmail, etc.)
  • The position requires an initial investment, such as having to purchase equipment in order to earn a wage, or having to pay for necessary training.
  • The company website is not active, does not exist, or re-links you to an unrelated site. • A high salary is listed for a job that requires minimal skill or experience.
  • It is difficult to find an address, actual contact information, the company name, etc.
  • The employer contacts you by phone, but there is no way to call them back. The number is not available or disconnected.

If you think you might be involved in a scam:

Share this Story! Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about

Topics: Safety, Careers