With economy in flux, employment ad scams on the rise

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The latest Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker risk report was recently released, and employment scams once again are on the rise.

BBB Regional Director Whitney Quick says employment scams now are the second-riskiest scam type, right behind online shopping.

“What happens with these is when you reply to the message, the scammer will invite you to a job interview. However, this is when the red flags start to appear. Instead of doing a traditional interview, the employer asks you to download messaging apps and answer a few questions via text and then you are offered the position on the spot. Of course, it comes with great pay, great benefits. Your new employer may even send a convincing offer letter. After your job offer, the phony employer then asks you to complete a form, with your personal and banking information.”

The number of employment scams submitted to the BBB Scam Tracker increased 23 percent from 2021 to 2022.

Job seekers are urged to do their homework ahead of time so they do not fall victim to this growing epidemic.

Quick offered some helpful tips to prevent such scams, including researching the person who contacted you, conducting additional information on the company, and guarding your personal information.

To report a scam, visit bbb.org/scamtracker.