Summer is the perfect time for job seekers to expand their horizons. Whether it’s a college student who wants a seasonal job or an internship, or a senior who is looking to stay active, the summer season is full of exciting opportunities. But with increased opportunities also come increased traps. By staying cautious and informed, you can avoid traps and find the right opportunity for you.

Why is summer a target for employment scams?

Temporary seasonal work is always attractive to scammers because there is an influx of job seekers mainly looking for temporary work. This could mean they are less diligent than full-time applicants and could easily fall prey to a job scammer who focuses on people looking for flexibility, extra income and less stressful environments.

What is a summer job scam?

Scammers are aware of the increased number of potential victims during the summer months. They are actively looking for personal information that can be used for identity theft or for an easy way to con someone out of their money. Scammers will create listings for non-existent jobs that appeal to temporary workers like data entry, house sitters, resort employment or internships.

What are the most common summer job scams?

• The bogus website—An ad on the job site of a legitimate company takes you to a bogus site made to look like the company.
• The recruiter scam—A fake recruiter will contact you after seeing your resume on a legitimate job site and may invite you to do an online interview where they will manually record your personal information.
• The up-front costs scam—A fake employer will ask you to pay in advance for a training, record check, or to buy equipment. You’ll be sent a bogus check to replace your costs.

What are some red flags that job opportunities may not be legitimate?

Discerning between legitimate and fake job opportunities can be difficult, but recognizing some red flags can tell you that something may not be what it seems. Poorly written emails or email addresses that are not from a company probably indicate a scam. High salaries or little to no experience required are common tactics used by scammers. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Beware of companies without a website, physical address, or online presence. Don’t be pressured by urgent job offers—they’re likely not real and keep in mind that a real job would never conduct an interview over WhatsApp or any kind of instant messaging service.

Be suspicious of listings on job sites for work-from-home jobs, especially those hiring urgently. Look out for those posted by companies you’ve never heard of for oddly generic positions with high wages. No legitimate employer will ask you to pay for interviews, background checks, application processing, or

equipment. Real remote employers have new hires go through onboarding, then send necessary equipment to the employee’s home. If you are sent a check for such equipment or for a “sign-on bonus” and asked to negotiate it quickly, know that the check is fake.

Never allow anyone into your online banking profile, especially to “make a deposit” for you. Ensure you have vetted the company before providing personal information for a background check or your identity could be stolen.

How do I avoid a summer job scam?

First and foremost, trust your gut. If something feels off, stop and verify before moving forward with an application. Do your research on any potential employer, but don’t follow links provided by them. Never pay upfront fees and never forward money or packages on someone else’s behalf. Never provide personal information until you’ve secured a job and never yield to pressure to accept a job urgently.

If you think you’re being targeted by a scammer, simply stop communication with them and report it to the Federal Trade Commission or law enforcement.