How to Spot Employment Scams Before It’s Too Late

Heidi Marksmeier | Personal Banker | Wisner Branch

In today’s fast-moving digital world, job hunting is often just a few clicks away. But while the internet has opened doors to countless opportunities, it has also opened the floodgates for fraudsters running sophisticated employment scams, especially those targeting hopeful job seekers.

What Is an Employment Scam?

Employment scams involve criminals pretending to offer legitimate job opportunities. These fake jobs are often posted on popular job boards, social media platforms, or even sent directly to your inbox. Once they lure you in, they may try to steal your money, personal information, or both.

Who Is Targeted?

Unfortunately, anyone looking for a job can be targeted, but scammers often focus on:

• Recent graduates
• Remote job seekers
• People looking for flexible or part-time work
• Those under financial pressure

Common Red Flags

Be cautious if you encounter any of the following:

1. Too good to be true: A high-paying job with minimal effort or qualifications? Red flag.
2. Unprofessional communication: Poor grammar, generic greetings, or suspicious email addresses.
3. Requests for personal information upfront: Legitimate employers don’t ask for your Social Security number or banking details before an interview or job offer.
4. You’re asked to pay: Whether it’s for training materials, background checks, or equipment, a real employer will not ask you to send money first.
5. Pressure to act quickly: Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to stop you from thinking it through.

“At Midwest Bank, we’ve seen firsthand how convincing employment scams can be. That’s why we’re committed to helping our community recognize the warning signs and take swift action. If you ever feel uncertain about a job offer or have shared financial information with someone you now suspect may be a scammer, don’t hesitate to reach out.”

Real-World Scam Tactics

Here are a few common strategies fraudsters use:

• Fake checks: You’re “hired” and sent a check to buy supplies. After you deposit it and send them a portion, the check bounces—and you’re left responsible.
• Phishing emails: You’re invited to apply for a job via a link that steals your personal data.
• Impersonation of real companies: Scammers clone legitimate companies’ branding and use fake recruiter emails.

How to Protect Yourself

• Do your homework: Research the company independently. Use official websites and look up reviews on platforms like Glassdoor or the Better Business Bureau.
• Verify the source: Be cautious with job postings from social media or unfamiliar sites.
• Use trusted platforms: Stick to reputable job boards and networking sites.
• Never pay to work: Legitimate employers never charge you to apply or start a job.
• Report suspicious activity: If something feels off, trust your instincts and report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the job board where you found it.

How Midwest Bank Can Help

If you believe a job scam has targeted you and have provided personal or banking information, contact us immediately. Our fraud prevention team is here to help minimize the damage and secure your accounts.

Job hunting is hard enough without worrying about fraud. You can protect yourself from scammers who prey on your ambitions by staying informed and vigilant.

Remember: If an opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Stay safe. Stay smart. And as always, feel free to reach out to us for any questions about protecting your finances.