How to Spot Job and Internships Scams Online

As a fellow broke college student, I can sympathize with those applying tirelessly for jobs and internships online. Unfortunately, I have been a victim of the job and internships online scams before. I was so optimistic; always seeing the good in people and not realizing that there are people in the world that will you prey on your hopes and dreams and screw you over without blinking an eye. I caught on before it was too late, however now my favorite bank does not allow me to open an account with them because they believe I tried to scam them, when in fact I was the one who almost got scammed. I have applied to about 100 jobs and internships online since this unfortunate event and I have collected tips and warning signs to help you recognize and stay clear of these scams.

Tip 1. Use a job search website with good credentials. 

Do your best to stay clear of websites such as Craiglists for job searches. Although some credible websites have had scam jobs postings as well.  

Tip 2. Pay close attention to the descriptions.

Scam job and internship posting usually have descriptions that do not make sense. Such as being a financial organization that deals with healthcare products.

Tip 3. Look out for the “company software” phrase.

As soon as they mention this, run and run fast! 

Tip 4. Doing interviews on yahoo (or the new one, google chat) chat.

Legitimate interviews will happen over skype or in person, it will always be face to face interaction. If the interview is limited to chatting, this is scam! Do not allow them to trick you into it. 

Tip 5. Sending you checks with large amounts of money.

If you skipped over warning 1-4 then please stop here. This is where they use trick number 3 to fool you into depositing a fake check into your account.

Tip 6. Ask you to send a money order using the check deposited into your account.

We all know the money will be available way before the check is cleared. This is how they trick you. They tell you that you need to send a money order to receive the company software. Lets pretend you do send them that money order, then the bank contacts you because the check was a fake and you owe the bank $3000 or more. This is the last phase of the scam. Please do not fall for this. 

Tip 7. Lookout for ridiculous pay-rates.

I know we all want to be paid $35 an hour but lets be honest here, this job offer is a scam!

My last and final tip is an actual email one of these scams sent me. They always use the same format and end the email with stating that you need to have a yahoo messenger or google hangout messenger setup. 

Dear Applicant,

    

   You have been carefully selected among others by the eServGlobal online HR board, after a brief review of your resume which was posted online. You have been scheduled for an online interview.

   

  Company Profile:

   eServGlobal has been a source of innovative solutions for mobile and financial service providers for more than 30years. eServGlobal invests heavily in product development, using carrier-grade, next-generation technology and aligning with the requirements of more than 65 customers in over 50 countries.Our mobile money solutions put feature-rich mobile financial services at the fingertips of users worldwide, covering the full spectrum of mobile wallet, mobile commerce, recharge and agent management features.

   

    NOTE:This company is looking for a 16 team data entry staffs to work from home as an accounting clerk/Customer service representative. Working hours are flexible. You will be getting a one-week training period with your training supervisor online.

    

   You will Earn $35 per hour and $19 per hour during your one week training. Means of payment Paycheck or Direct Deposit as preferred by you.

     

   DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITY: Tracks data and source documents.Prepares and sorts source documents, and identifies and interprets data to be entered.Compiles, sorts and verifies data for accuracy.Contacts responsible parties or clients from other organization to resolve moderately complex questions, inconsistencies, or missing data. Also perform Records keeping, keyboarding/data entry and performing a variety of other office tasks account balancing, invoicing recording,proper data analysis of sales records and recording pay slips into accounting database all these will be done through the use of the accounting Software, such as faxing or emailing confidently and positive attitude online from home.

    

   You are to create a Gmail Google Hangout ID and you are required to add Mr Ross Reginald one of the Company's HR agent on hangout via rossreginald935@gmail.com to proceed further with more on the Job briefings and interview.

OR

   

   Create a Yahoo Email ID and get the Yahoo Instant Messenger app installed on your mobile phone or PC then contact Mr Ross Reginald via rossreginald935@yahoo.com. Do that to enable you proceed further with more on the Job briefings and interview.

   Doing this will enable you proceed further with the interview and getting more information and updates about the Company and the Job position....Also you can reply back for more help and assistance on how to proceed further.

Thank you...

eServGlobal Consultant