On the upswing, fraudulent job offers are tricking increasing numbers of individuals. Safeguard your interests with these advice.
In the digital age, job scams have become a growing concern, with reported losses surging significantly over the past few years. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), losses to job scams increased more than threefold from 2020 to 2023, and in the first half of 2024, they topped $220 million [1].
These scams, often referred to as gamified job scams or task scams, operate by offering victims the opportunity to earn money through simple online tasks, such as liking videos, rating products, or performing product boosting activities [1][2][4]. The scam begins with an unexpected message—often via text, WhatsApp, or other messaging platforms—from someone posing as a recruiter, promising "easy money" for minimal effort [1][4].
Victims are directed to a platform or app where they can see a tally of their supposed earnings as they complete tasks. However, these earnings are entirely fabricated. Eventually, the platform will require the victim to deposit their own money—typically in cryptocurrency—to unlock more tasks or to withdraw their (fake) earnings [1][4]. Once the victim deposits funds, the scammer disappears, and the victim loses both the deposited money and any promised payout [1][4].
These scams primarily target individuals who are new to the job market, those re-entering the workforce after a hiatus (such as homemakers with grown children), and immigrants who may be less familiar with the employment landscape or face language barriers [1]. Scammers exploit the trust and eagerness of these groups by making the process appear legitimate and rewarding, often building rapport before requesting money [1][2][4].
To avoid falling victim to these scams, it's essential to be vigilant. Ignore any generic and unexpected texts or WhatsApp messages about jobs, no matter how specific or complimentary the messages, as they may be scams [3]. Never pay to get a job or to get paid, as this is a red flag that the position is a scam [5].
Key red flags to look out for include unsolicited contact, requests for upfront payments, and fabricated earnings [2]. If you encounter any of these warning signs, it's best to steer clear.
As economic uncertainty persists, it's understandable that people may be more eager to find work. However, it's crucial to remember that legitimate job offers do not typically require upfront payments or promise unrealistic earnings for minimal effort. Stay vigilant, and don't let the allure of easy money blind you to the risks of job scams.
References: [1] Federal Trade Commission. (2024). Consumer Protection Data Spotlight: Job Scams. Retrieved from https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/media-resources/identity-theft-scams/consumer-protection-data-spotlight-job-scams [2] Consumer Reports. (2023). How to Spot and Avoid Job Scams. Retrieved from https://www.consumerreports.org/scams/how-to-spot-and-avoid-job-scams/ [3] Identity Theft Resource Center. (2023). Job Scams: How to Spot Them and Stay Safe. Retrieved from https://www.idtheftcenter.org/job-scams-how-to-spot-them-and-stay-safe/ [4] AARP. (2023). How to Avoid Job Scams. Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2021/job-scams.html [5] Eva Velasquez, the chief executive of the Identity Theft Resource Center, emphasized the vulnerability of people looking for work, especially given ongoing economic uncertainty, who may choose to accept a role even if it initially feels shady. (Quote not directly linked to a specific source)
- In Los Angeles, California, the government and educational institutions, such as UCLA's Anderson School of Management or California State University's Extension program, offer career development and self-development courses to help job seekers identify and avoid job scams.
- Local businesses in Los Angeles have started implementing environmental policies to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute positively to the city's general news of improving the environment.
- The Federal Trade Commission's report on job scams highlights that people from diverse backgrounds, including immigrants and individuals new to the business world, are targets due to their unfamiliarity with the employment landscape and potential language barriers.
- As the job market of Los Angeles continues to grow and evolve, government organizations and educational institutions should collaborate to provide resources for career development and self-development aimed at equipping individuals with the skills necessary to identify and avoid job scams.
