eight ways to guard against identity theft when applying for jobs online

Eight Ways to GuardAgainst Identity Theft

When Applying for Jobs Online

Although an on-line job search provides rich opportunity for finding great employment, it is also a minefield of fraud and scams, making it difficult to tell the credible jobs from the fake.

Whether you’re looking for a job as a financial advisor, nurse or teacher, it’s important to be a savvy searcher.

Although scammers get smarter all the time, there are ways to tell whether a posting is fraudulent …

… how to protect your identity while applying and what to do if the worst happens and you do get scammed.

Make sure the listing is linked to a legitimate business site.“

It should have both a physical address and a business license.

You can Google the name of the firm and call the number to check on the listing.

When filling out an initial inquiry, only the basics should be required, such as an email address and name.

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If more information is requested, listen to your interior smoke detector, particularly if your Social Security, bank account or PayPal information is requested.

Scammers can use this information to set up accounts in your name or access your personal accounts.

Beware of a job posting that looks too good to be true; it probably is.

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A job posting offering cash pay, much higher pay that is normal for the job or a promise of work from home or in exotic locations could very likely be a scam.

Some scammers post fraudulent job openings on legitimate career boards looking for information from your resume …

… such as name, address, phone and, if they’re really lucky, a Social Security number, date of birth or driver’s license number.

Others may contact you directly by email pretending to be from a legitimate job site.

Since many people apply for numerous jobs, they bank on you simply figuring you’d forgotten applying for the job.

Never ever put information such as your Social Security number, driver’s license number or any bank account information on a career website or anywhere else.

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It is completely unnecessary for an initial contact and can be compromised even on the most secure sites.

When posting a resume, look for privacy controls on the website.

Sites like Monster.com have a variety of security levels to choose from.

As any finance industry recruiter will tell you, never give out bank account information.

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Some scammers claim they need this information up-front to initiate automatic deposit of paychecks, and then simply rob the account.

Never give direct deposit information until you have met with the company, been interviewed, are confident of the legitimacy of the business and have an offer of employment in writing.

Keep your job search separate from your regular life as much as possible.

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Use a different user name and password on job sites and/or create a separate email address just for your job search.

Some people even use a post office box as an address rather than posting their physical address.

If you don’t want to give out your regular cell phone or your home phone, buy a temporary cell phone for job interviews or resume listings.

If, despite all your efforts, you are scammed and feel your identity has been stolen, contact the police immediately.

You should also have a red flag placed on your credit report to help stop anyone from opening new credit in your name.

Afterwards, monitor your credit report carefully to be sure there is no fraudulent activity.

Looking for a job in the finance industry?

Check out our listing at Willis Consulting Inc.

Our finance industry recruiters are always ready to accommodate questions and applications.

View the listing here: http://www.willis-consulting.com/financial-advisor-jobs/

Willis Consulting Inc.

Los Angeles Office:

Corporate Headquarters719 Yarmouth Road, Suite 203Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274

310-373-7400 PST

Willis Consulting Inc.

Scottsdale Office

15051 N Kierland Blvd, Suite 210Scottsdale AZ 85254480-361-9490 PST

Willis Consulting Inc.

New York Office

244 5th Avenue, Suite 1855New York NY 10001212-726-2041 PST