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Beware of Job Scams
10/27/09 - 05:33 PM
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Jerry Brown - bio
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Panama City, Fla:

With high unemployment numbers these days that means more people are diligently looking for a job.  But, beware of scams in your job search.
News 13 is on your side with helpful information in this Problem Solver report.

As we reported a little over a week ago, the September jobless rate in Florida jumped to eleven percent…that’s the highest level since October 1975.  Over a million Floridians are looking for employment.  However, becoming a victim of a scam can make a bad thing…worse.

The WorkForce Center in Panama City is a busy place on most any day.  The competitive job search is in itself, a full-time, unpaid position.  Keep in mind, there are also those working hard to take advantage of you.
One example, a company asking that you pay money up front, for testing or training.  Karen Szulczewski of the Better Business Bureau of Northwest Florida says there are a lot of red flags to look for.  She says, “we have seen a lot where they say… We need you to pay 25 dollars to cover background check, drug screening.  That should be a big red flag.  Most businesses are going to absorb that cost just as the cost of doing business when they take on new hire.”

The Better Business Bureau of Northwest Florida also says job placement companies generally will not charge job seekers.  They are paid by companies looking to fill positions.

Scammers may also be internet phishing for your information… phishing in the criminal sense.  Although there are legitimate job web sites available.  Use caution before posting your resume.

The BBB says spam email can be used to offer interesting and attractive jobs.  You could be directed to web sites that may solicit your bank account or social security numbers.  According to Karen Szulczewski of the Better Business Bureau, “You really want to make sure you know who is on the receiving end of that…and if they are asking for bank info and other personal info before you have job offer… that’s big red flag.”

Again, be careful before giving out personal information until you know more about the company you are dealing with about a job.  The Better Business Bureau says you can also get a copy of a company’s liability report.  The Pensacola office has over 16,000 businesses in its Northwest Florida database and can help beyond Florida. 

Better Business Bureau of Northwest Florida

User Comments

Better Business Bureau gather and report information on business reliability, alert the public to frauds against consumers and businesses, provide information on ethical business practices, and act as mutually trusted intermediaries between consumers and businesses to resolve disputes. Online credit repair sites have to approached with caution – check with the Better Business Bureau and find their bona fides.  If they ask you for your Employer Identification Number, you should run.  Your credit is nothing to hand off to just anybody, and you don’t want to end up needing payday loans to remedy identity theft.  Be careful, as credit repair scams are out there, and you don’t want to need debt relief from your debt relief.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)  on  10/28  at  01:24 AM
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