Internet Scams: Job Hunting Just Got a Lot More Dangerous

When searching the top internet job search sites most of us are aware of the "Get Rich Quick" jobs and are leery of the "Work at Home" jobs, however even with my experience with the job search boards and what to look out for, a new scam, more dangerous than any of the others has now surfaced.

Here's How It Works

After posting your resume online with one of the major job search sites, you will get a phone call telling you that you are being considered for a position for a company that is expanding to your area. For example, you may be offered a job as a courier, paying $18.00. However, they don't have an office set up in your area yet, and will need you to help set it up and get it running.

It sounds like a legitimate job offer and you accept the position. They will then direct you to their website to complete the hiring process. You will also be instructed to go to the IRS website to print out a W-4 to complete and fax to them. Part of the hiring "paperwork" done online will be your direct deposit information. Additionally you will be asked for two forms of ID. None of this is really suspicious. These are all forms and procedures you would go through to be hired by any legitimate company.

They will call you to inform you that you have been hired. Whenever your start date is, they will call you that morning, right on time, 9:00 am. Your first sign of trouble is the phone number they call you from is a trunk line, and cannot be called back. If you try to call the contact numbers on the website, you'll never get a hold of anyone. You may get a recording or a busy signal.

Each day they will call you with assignments that are leading up to opening an office. Research the purchase of five computers, get quotes for fax/copy machines, etc. This may still seem legitimate to you, yet there is no physical office yet.

On the Friday of the first week of "employment" they will deposit a check into your checking account for just under $500. It will look like a legitimate business check.

How We Caught Them

Watch out for this scam on internet job search sites.

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