During the COVID-19 pandemic, many fell victim to fraudulent work-from-home job offers that promised high earnings. Scammers posed as recruiters, tricking individuals into sharing personal information or sending money for equipment and training.
According to Scamnews.info, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that Americans lost $68 million to employment scams in the first quarter of 2022 alone. These scams involved fake job postings offering unrealistically high pay, with scammers contacting individuals directly on job sites like LinkedIn.
Once someone accepted the job, scammers collected sensitive information such as credit card details and Social Security numbers (SSNs), leading to identity theft. Victims were often asked to pay fees for job training or equipment requests that legitimate companies would never make.
To avoid falling prey to these scams, always investigate the hiring company before proceeding with the interview process. Check the business name on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website and job review sites. Never share personal or financial information with recruiters via email, text, or phone calls. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from these deceptive practices.
If you encounter any fraudulent activities, remain calm and report the incident immediately to local authorities. For further assistance and professional advice, contact us.