Arizona attorney general warns job hunters against employment scams

PHOENIX — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes wants job seekers across the state to be aware of employment scams.

As the school year comes to an end and students start looking for jobs, they’re at risk for job scams, according to a Thursday Arizona Attorney General Office release.

“Whether you are looking for part-time, seasonal or full-time employment, everyone needs to be alert when sharing your personal information with would-be employers,” Mayes said. “Identity thieves and scam artists may take advantage of your earnest efforts to find gainful employment.”

How do employment scams work?

Job scammers try to obtain personal information through a variety of ways, including fake job postings, social media and printed material such as newspapers. Lots of employment scammers may personally call, send emails or text fake job opportunities that appear to be legitimate.

Additionally, work-from-home job scam offers became more frequent during the pandemic.

Here are some red flags to look out for when looking for new employment:

• Scammers may use an actual job website and use real company logos to trick job seekers.
• Offering high-paying jobs that require little or no qualifications or the chance to work from home.
• Look out for fake employment posts that ask for personal information before offering an interview.

State officials suggest researching the employer and being cautious of job offers claiming to have found a resume online. Another red flag is when a company provides little or no contact information such as a phone number or a physical address.

Fake employers also claim that a job matches a person’s skillset but it’s best to call the company directly and verify that the job position is legitimate. If the position is offered, a job seeker should ask for a face-to-face interview before doling out any personal information.

Ways employment scammers try to nab personal information

• Sending a check and asking the money to be sent to a third party.
• Scammers may also ask for money upfront to get a job.
• Asking for bank information for direct deposit before starting a new role.

Job seekers should ask specific questions about the position, the employer, management and how the pay structure works.

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