Fraudulent Postings

Avoiding Job Scams: A Guide for USF Students and Alumni

Recognizing Job Scams Fraudulent employers often target eager job seekers with too-good-to-be-true offers to steal money, identities, and personal information. With advancements in technology, these scams have become more convincing. Scammers mimic legitimate companies' websites and use realistic emails. Thousands fall victim annually, suffering significant losses.

 🚨 Red Flags to Watch For 🚨

  1. Personal Email Addresses: Be wary of emails from non-company domains (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo).
  2. Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers: Caution if contacted directly with high-paying jobs requiring minimal effort or immediate responses.
  3. Unprofessional Communication: Multiple grammatical errors, vague or irrelevant email subjects.
  4. Lack of Company Information: Limited online information about the company or job position.
  5. Vague Job Descriptions: Basic requirements with no specific details about qualifications.
  6. Handling Money or Upfront Payments: Avoid jobs requiring you to manage money or make upfront payments.
  7. Requests for Confidential Information: Never share sensitive information without verifying the legitimacy of the request.
  8. Limited Communication Methods: Insistence of email or text-only communication and conducting interviews via instant messaging.

 ✅ Tips for Avoiding Job Scams ✅

  1. Research the Company: Verify the company's operations and legitimacy through its official website and contact information.
  2. Guard Personal Information: Never share sensitive details with unexpected contacts.
  3. Avoid Suspicious Links or Numbers: Verify legitimacy independently before responding.
  4. Take Your Time: Legitimate employers won’t rush you into decisions.
  5. Use Reliable Platforms: Utilize trusted job search platforms like Handshake.

❓ What to Do If You’re a Victim ❓

  1. Cease All Contact: Report email communications as spam/phishing.
  2. Contact USF Career Services: Report the fraudulent employer and job listing at (415) 422-6216 or careerservices@usfca.edu.
  3. Visit the FTC: If you were sent money, personal information, or computer access, report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission.

USF Career Services is committed to supporting your career exploration and ensuring safe job search practices.