How to recognize a job scam
Secret shopper, work from home and wrapping your car in advertising are common online scams we refer to as employment scams or job scams. These can appear to be legitimate opportunities to earn extra cash, but in reality they are elaborate schemes to get you to participate in fraudulent activity. Frequently, scammers will send you funds in the form of counterfeit checks or stolen funds from other scam victims. You will be asked/required to send a portion of the funds back to the fraudster or other designee as part of the work you’re doing for them.
How to avoid job scams
A job scammer’s best hope for being successful is that the individual they’re scamming hasn’t done their homework. Here are some ways you can avoid becoming their next victim.
Search online.Look up the name of the company or the person who's hiring you, plus the words “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.” You may find out they've scammed others.
Confide in someone you trust. Often, especially when we really need the cash, these opportunities seem too good to pass up. Ask someone you know and trust what they think of the offer.
Don't pay for the “promise” of a job.They should pay you money, not the other way around. Remember that.
Don’t bank on a “cleared” check.Always call the bank the check is issued on to see if it's legitimate.