Employment Scams Although technology is a major component of the job search process, the job seeker needs to be aware that there is fraudulent information about job opportunities and companies on the internet. Every job seeker needs to be vigilant when searching for opportunities to avoid a potential scam. How to Recognize Fraudulent Business Opportunities (Employment Scams) The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says that fraudulent business opportunities rank high in its database of consumer fraud complaints. Most scam artists are really sophisticated, and they know exactly how to keep consumers from guessing the true nature of their business by providing phony references or creating misleading documents. How to Spot Signs of Fraud • Many fraudulent promoters send spam email or post internet ads involving selling or promoting merchandise or opportunities to buy into home- based businesses, be a personal assistant or other activities related to the internet. • Often there are claims of high pay in weeks or months for little effort (“Work only a few hours a week!”) or claims about working conditions like the ability to “set your own hours,” “be your own boss” or “work from home.” Often there is a charge for these opportunities, which may be from a hundred to several thousand dollars. • The above scams, which may be advertised through the classifieds, via spam emails or other job postings, have little chance of success—for example, a business with little or no demand in the market; cheap, low-quality or outdated merchandise; poor customer service; and few, if any, physical locations. • Payment for work, in the form of cash or check, may be offered prior to actually starting the job. Preventive Measures to Avoid Fraud • If the opportunity involves selling or promoting products from a well-known company, contact the company’s legal department to verify if this is a legitimate opportunity. • If the promoter requires a deposit, consult an attorney, accountant or other business advisor before you sign any papers.
• Contact the attorney general’s office, state or county consumer protection agency and Better Business Bureau to find out if the company has any record of unresolved complaints. Remember that an unscrupulous company will change names and locations to hide a history of complaints. • Legitimate employers do not require payment from you to secure a job—so you should never have to pay anyone to find or obtain employment. • Never accept or deposit cash or checks as payment for a job not started. How to Report Possible Fraud • File a complaint with the FTC online (https:// www.ftc.gov/) or call toll free 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357). • Notify the state attorney general's office for the state where you live and also the state where the business promoter is based. • Contact your county and/or state consumer protection agency and register a complaint. • Alert the Better Business Bureau in your community and also where the promoter is based. Gain Valuable Work Experience Today, employers expect college graduates to have previous work experience. This work experience may include seasonal positions in retail or other service-based businesses and part-time positions that may or may not be related to their career goal. Employers want to see applicants that have transferrable skills in customer service, communication and time management. In addition, you can also gain relevant experience by completing an internship or co-operative education course, volunteering or through work-study. Internships and co-operative education experiences are related to your major course of study and may be substituted for work experience when applying to positions. Part-Time Jobs Part-time jobs provide real-life experiences that are valuable to future employers. Your experiences at fast food or retail jobs are worth putting on a resume because they show an employer that you have the ability to keep a job while going to school. Working parttime demonstrates your ability to multi-task and manage your responsibilities.
CCAC Job Search Manual 11
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