Fake Job Opportunities and How to Spot Them

(2 Minute Read) — Have you ever dreamed of becoming an influencer? Maybe you already have a following, or perhaps even your pet does. But did you know that scammers often target aspiring influencers with fake job opportunities? According to the Federal Trade Commission, here’s what you need to know to protect yourself from falling victim to these schemes. 

The Scam: Too Good to Be True Job Offers 

Scammers may contact you on social media, posing as recruiters or “brand ambassador managers” from well-known companies. They promise to send you free products and pay you handsomely to promote and tag their items on your social media platforms. The catch? They need your banking information to pay you. Unfortunately, this is not a legitimate job offer; it’s a scam designed to steal your personal information and money. 

How to Avoid Being Scammed 

Research the Offer: 

• Before responding, do some digging. Search for the company name along with terms like “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.” 
• Reach out to the company directly using contact information from their official website, not the details provided by the supposed recruiter. 
• If you can’t verify the legitimacy of the offer, it’s best to walk away. 

Guard Your Personal Information: 

• Never share your personal or financial details with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. 
• A legitimate employer will never send you a check to deposit and then ask you to forward some of the money or buy gift cards with it. Those checks will bounce, and you’ll be responsible for repaying the money. 

Spot the Red Flags: 

• Be wary of anyone pressuring you to sign up quickly before you can ask questions. 
• Check if the recruiter is using a personal account, email, or phone number that’s not affiliated with the company they claim to represent 
• If they ask you to send money or pay for something upfront, it’s a scam. 
• Never agree to pay someone using gift cards, cryptocurrency, payment apps, or wire transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram. Legitimate companies do not conduct transactions this way. 

Stay Safe and Informed 

Being cautious and informed is the best defense against scammers. Always take the time to verify any job opportunity and be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true. By following these tips, you can protect yourself and your finances from fraud. 

Stay safe and vigilant and continue enjoying your journey as an influencer without falling prey to scammers. If you ever have any doubts or need assistance, Unitus is here to help.  

As always, you can visit our security page for more advice on staying financially secure. Contact us if you have any concerns about fraud on your account.