The Michigan Department of Consumer Protection is reporting an increase in identity theft from online job seekers. Given the large amount of personal information that is provided in resumes, it is not surprising that job seekers are being targeted.
The Identity Theft Resource Center provides helpful guidance on how to protect your identity online. Here are a few highlights:
What Not to Put on Your Resume
- Do not put your social security number, tax ID number, date of birth or driver’s license on your resume
- Leave off your marital status, age and gender
- Graduation dates will make it easy for thieves to tap into alumni lists
Screening Contacts
You should call the human resource department and verify the name and legitimacy of the contact if you are receiving the following red flags:
- An email address that lacks the domain name of the company. Hint: Press reply to verify the underlying address.
- Ensure the telephone and fax number are the same area code as the company office
- Stop all contact if they ask for an SSN number
Avoid companies if:
- They do not have a US presence
- They only pay in cash or money orders
- You cannot locate them on Google or Yahoo
There are many more good tips on how to protect your identity online at the Identity Theft Center.
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If you are suspicious about a company, you should check them out with the Better Business Bureau. Chances are others have checked them out too.
Hey,
I have been approached by a job scam both times I applied for a company that I believe to be legitimate. I am not sure whether the ad was false or a scam artist is somehow accessing the job applications. In these instances, it is always good to contact the company and let me them know before someone is the subject of a huge scam.
About.com provides a good list of Typical Job Scams. Here are some career and recruitment consultant scams to watch for.
The FTC’s Operation Bottom Dollar, launched this year, must be in response to the increase in job scams and identity theft you are referring to. Consumer education information is supposed to be made available on the major job sites, such as Monster.com. This may be a good place to start.
I know that if you find some bad information about the company on the internet it is not necessarily true. Internet is great because anybody can share any kind of information but it is also bad for the same reason.
Yeah, Internet can mess with you pretty bad sometimes. You may find a lot of necessery information but there’s often misinformation too. A lot of it.