Employment scams increased by nearly 120% last year. As scammers become more sophisticated, it’s important to ask yourself: Would you be able to spot one?

The Rise of Employment Scams

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) handles thousands of complaints about employment scams each year. But with the rise of technology, online thieves have found new and easier ways to con job seekers. These scams have become so widespread that it’s difficult for many to distinguish between legitimate job opportunities and scams.

As believers, we are reminded that we live in a hostile world. Jesus said in Matthew 10:16:

"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

We are called to practice discernment and wisdom while doing no harm, especially when it comes to protecting ourselves.

There’s a saying we should always keep in mind: “If something looks too good to be true, it usually is.” Remembering this can save you from falling for many employment scams.

One of the most concerning trends is the role that Artificial Intelligence (AI) now plays in employment scams. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, AI advancements allow scammers to generate job listings and recruitment messages that seem highly legitimate. AI helps refine language and cultural nuances, making these scams harder to spot. As a result, victims of employment scams now typically lose nearly $2,000 per incident.

Common Employment Scams to Watch Out For

Scammers are becoming more creative with their tactics. Here are some of the most common types of employment scams:

• Work-from-home scams: Scammers prey on the increasing demand for remote work opportunities.
• Repackaging, reselling, and reshipping merchandise scams: These scams lure victims with the promise of easy work from home but are just a way to steal money.
• Virtual personal assistant scams: Often advertised as legitimate positions, these are a common type of scam.
• Mystery shopper scams: These are fraudulent positions designed to steal your money or personal information.
• Job placement scams: Scammers charge fees for job placements that don’t exist.
• Government and postal job scams: These scams promise government jobs in exchange for upfront payments.

Typically, scammers will pose as recruiters, posting fake job listings on reputable websites like LinkedIn and Indeed. Once job seekers respond, scammers may steal personal information during the “interview” process.

The rise of remote work since the pandemic has also contributed to the increase in employment scams. Many people, particularly recent college graduates, immigrants, or older individuals re-entering the workforce, may think digital-only hiring processes are the new normal. Scammers exploit this comfort, making digital-only interactions seem legitimate.

However, in reality, legitimate companies still follow traditional hiring practices that include in-person or video interviews.

How to Protect Yourself from Employment Scams

To safeguard yourself from falling victim to employment scams, here are some important steps to take, according to the FTC:

• Don’t rely solely on job search platforms. Even well-known platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed may host fake listings.
• Verify the company independently. Make sure the company exists and is actually hiring before you accept any offers.
• Be cautious of unsolicited job offers. If you didn’t initiate contact, reach out to the company directly using legitimate contact information to verify the offer.
• Watch out for red flags. Scammers may ask for personal information too quickly or offer high pay for little work.
• Beware of fake check scams. Honest employers won’t send you checks to buy supplies or ask you to return leftover money.
• Trust your instincts. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Reporting Employment Scams

If you encounter any suspicious job offers, it’s important to report them. You can file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.FTC.gov or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Additionally, if you find a scam listing on a reputable platform, make sure to report it directly to the site to help protect other job seekers.

By staying vigilant and practicing discernment, you can protect yourself from falling victim to employment scams. As Jesus commanded, always remember to be as wise as serpents and innocent as doves and protect yourself in this digital age.

About the author: Jim Henry is the Senior Radio Producer and Writer for Faith & Finance, a network of radio programs created by FaithFi.