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Don’t Get Fooled by Social Media Job Scams

We’ve got some important news about a sneaky scam popping up on social media: fake too-good-to-be-true jobs. These scammers promise you can work from home and make big money, but it’s all fake. Let’s break down how you can really spot a scam.

How to Spot a Scam 

  • Too-Good-To-Be-True Pay: If an ad promises super high pay, be careful. Many real jobs that sound too good to be true usually offer decent, but not amazing, pay. 
  • Upfront Fees for Training: Scammers often ask for thousands of dollars for training. Remember, honest employers will never ask you to pay to get a job. 
  • Guaranteed Job Offers: No one can promise you a job after you pay for training. If you hear this, it’s likely a scam. 
  • Disguised Business Opportunities: Be wary if the “job” sounds more like a business opportunity, with promises of potential clients or suggestions to recruit others. 

 

How to Protect Yourself 

Before jumping into any job or business opportunity, follow these tips: 

  1. Talk It Over: Discuss the offer with someone you trust. Scammers will try to rush you into making quick decisions. 
  2. Research the Company: Look up the company name along with terms like “review,” “scam,” or “complaint.” Check for any complaints with your state attorney general. Even if there are no complaints, that doesn’t mean the company is legit, but complaints are a definite red flag. 
  3. Be Skeptical of Success Stories: Glowing testimonials might be fake. Positive reviews could come from made-up profiles, so take them with a grain of salt. 

 

Here is more information about more job scams on FTC.gov https://www.ftc.gov/jobscams. If you come across a scam or lose money to one, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 

At UMe Credit Union, we care about U and your financial safety. Always be cautious and remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay safe, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or need advice. We’re here to help! 

Source: FTC.gov, June 2024 

 

Disclaimer: U matter to Me (to all of us) at UMe — and that’s why we do our best to deliver helpful information on our blog. Please note the following: (1) UMe Credit Union works hard to make certain that the information we post here is as accurate as humanly possible. But as you know, information can change and evolve quickly. While we try to update the blog on a regular basis, the content of some older posts may not be correct or up-to-date. (2) Some destinations on the World Wide Web that we link you to will exist on external websites. UMe Credit Union does not officially endorse any connected sites, nor do/did we compensate or get compensated by any entities to be featured in our posts (unless otherwise noted). (3) Everyone’s situation is unique and we advise you to consult with our personal bankers or your finance, tax, or legal professional for advice individualized to you!