Watch out for job scams

Following a disaster, such as a hurricane, flood, or some other havoc-wreaking event in people's lives, there are some who would take advantage of those who have been affected by these events. The current economic climate, while not as sudden or violent as a natural disaster, has nonetheless had a devastating effect on many who find themselves unemployed. These circumstances make some people easy targets for the scam artists who are only too happy to separate them from their money.

Here are a few "watch out!" tips to consider if you're one of the unemployed statistics:

1. Don't pay anyone any money who says they can find you a job. Reputable executive search professionals ("headhunters") get their fees from the companies who engage their services. They don't charge candidates. You should never pay for "exclusive" or "confidential" job leads.

2. Don't sign any contracts or agreements with any organization or individual who says they can help you tap into the "hidden" job market. There is no hidden job market. Recruiters and employers don't hide their positions...they try to make sure people know about them so they can fill them.

3. Be especially wary of those "work at home" scams that require an up-front investment on your part. I've never seen one that passed the "smell" test.

4. When dealing with a recruiter, don't share personal or confidential information that is irrelevant to the job search. Information such as your social security number and/or your date of birth are generally not part of the phone interview process. That information may be asked on a formal employment application, but that is generally done in person on the day of the interview.

5. If you think you may have given out confidential information to someone you don't completely trust, contact the credit bureaus (Experiean, Trans Union, and Equifax) and tell them to put a note on your file that you must be contacted in person before any new accounts are opened in your name. This is a good safeguard against identity theft.

6. When dealing with anyone who says that they can help you with your career search, get a thorough explanation of what they intend to do and what it will cost. The good ones will be glad you asked and happy to explain it to you.

7. Even though you may be tempted, stay away from the Internet "diploma mills" that offer bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees for "life experiences." They're not worth the paper they're written on, and most employers and recruiters will check them out if you list a degree from one of them on your resume. If it turns out to be bogus, your chances at the job vanish.

If you see or hear of other scams out there, let me know and I'll publish them.