Could Your Job Search End in Identity Theft?

Job search websites have made it possible to post your resume on line and apply for a job on the Internet in minutes. It should make life easier, but instead many job seekers are finding themselves still unemployed and the victims of identity theft as well.

How it works

While searching for a job, you respond to an ad or you are contacted by a company who viewed your resume on line. They encourage you to apply for a position in their company on their website, which requires you to create an account. You create an account, apply for a job, and then never hear anything. Two months later you are the victim of identity theft and someone is using your bank account. You have unknowingly given vital information to an identity thief posing as a potential employer.

How to protect yourself

First, never apply for a job on a company website that requires you to create an account. Even if they don't ask you for detailed information like your social security number, an identity thief can learn a great deal about you just with a user name, email and password. Most Americans use the same email, user name and password on all of their web based registrations, and chances are the one you used when creating an account with their "company" will also get them into your Paypal account, which will in turn get them into your banking and credit information. As a general rule for all Internet registrations, use a free email address and password for all generic sites like message boards, and a new email address and unique password for any site that stores your financial and private information. Instead, send your resume and application through the regular mail. If this is not an option, that is a big red flag for an identity thief posing as a company.

Check with the Better Business Bureau before applying to any company. This is especially true for work at home jobs where you have to fill out tax paperwork and send it in. You'll fill out your paperwork, with social security number, send or fax it in and then it's gone into their hands and you never hear back from them.

Be wary also of established companies that contact you. It is not hard to fake a legitimate looking website and official email. If the email does not send you to the company's main website or if there is no contact information, chances are good it is an identity theft scam.

Identity theft is everywhere on the net, and while you're looking for your perfect job make sure to use these precautions to protect yourself. Best of luck in your job search!