TOP DRAWER ARTICLE

Employment Scams
by
HL Carpenter

As the jobless rate rises to - and stays in - the double digits, employment scams become more prevalent. Here are three old cons that have been repackaged to lure you with new false-as-ever promises.

Shop for Us

Some mystery shopping is legitimate, but real companies looking to hire won’t charge you a fee. Signs someone’s trying to scam you: A request that you pay to have your name placed on a waiting list, or that you send a check to receive the names of businesses that use mystery shoppers.

Model Your Way to Big Bucks

Being a model only looks easy – and finding modeling jobs is not easy at all. Scam warnings: The “agency” that “hired” you gives you a check, then asks you to cash it and send part of the money to someone else, such as the person who set up your booking or a photography crew. The check is phony – but you only find that out after you’ve completed the transfer.

Work at Home

Telecommuting jobs are becoming more available, but you’ll generally find them the same way you find traditional in-office employment. And how often is a legitimate business going to hire you to process payments or wire company funds from your home? Scam tip-off: To receive information about the job you must provide personal information with your resume, such as your bank account and social security number.

Originally published December 2009.

Last update: December 30, 2009