The Risks of Online Job Searches: Minimize Your Risk of Identity Theft

Thousands of job seekers go on line everyday to seek work and hopefully land their dream career. But, searching for a job on line puts you at risk for identity theft and it can occur in a number of ways. The Internet is one of the best tools for the unemployed when it comes to job searches but you have to be smart about what you reveal on line. From security breaches to viruses, on line job seekers are at risk for identity theft. Learn about some of the most common scams, and ways to protect yourself while searching for a job on line.

The Internet can be a great tool for employers and those seeking work if used properly. As with any business conducted over the Internet, there are certain guidelines you should always follow. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is, and this is the most important thing to remember while searching for a job on line. No one is going to hand you a job without interviewing you, you're not going to make thousands of dollars building magnets or stuffing envelopes, and employers generally won't ask for personally identifiable information before you've met. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

RESUMES
Resumes are often a source of trouble for on line job seekers because they contain way too much information. Before posting your resume on line think about the information you've included. Never include your date of birth, drivers license number, bank account information, or your tax payer identification number (EIN) on your resume. A resume is meant to highlight your skills and give employers some reference to your employment history. Your resume should not include your age, sex, disabilities, professional license number, social security number, eye or hair color, marital status, and should not include school graduation dates.

In the past much of this information was considered resume material, but in today's world it is not recommended that you include this information, especially when searching on line for a job. Your resume should include your name, current position, work and educational history, and a contact phone number or email address. On many job search sites you are required to post a resume in order to be contacted, but make sure only employers will be able to view your resume. Site users should not be able to view your resume, only employers.

SCAMS
When it comes to job searching on line you have to be aware of common scams. Many scams target freelance professionals, stay at home moms, retirees, and even those temporarily unemployed. Stay away from jewelry making (at home), assembling CD cases or magnets, envelope stuffing, and email rebates/refunds. None of these "jobs" listed are actually worth the time or money you will have to put into them. To make even a small profit often requires you to spend long hours doing tedious work that doesn't pay well or at all. Also avoid companies that do not have offices in your locality, or within the United States. Foreign work is not generally posted on US hiring sites. If you come across a foreign company hiring in the US consider it a red flag and do not contact them.

Employers that request you open a new bank account or credit card in order to get the job are most likely scammers. This happens regularly with money transfer jobs and check cashing, which are usually fronts for illegal activities including weapons and drug trafficking. If an employer asks you to open a bank account to transfer money or checks it is a scam. Reputable businesses can cash checks, transfer money, and change currency with their own bank.

There is no reason you should ever agree to cash checks, change money, or transfer cash for unknown persons or companies. Also, beware of companies that only pay in cash or money orders. If the job is real, you should get a paycheck, with a pay stub attached from your employer. For freelancers it may be customary to receive cash or checks for payment, but be sure you have a contract outlining the exact work and amount of pay first. Never open a new credit or bank account in order to get a job.

APPLICATIONS
Sometimes on line applications are part of the hiring/interview process. Generally you will be linked to an application page from the hiring site, or from an potential employers email link. Before filling out any on line job application make sure it's legitimate. The web address bar should have the company name embedded; if it's missing, it isn't real. On line applications should also be secured by a user name and pass code. If the on line application does not have these features, do not fill it out. Never submit personal information on an on line application because even if it is real, there is a possibility that it can be hacked. Never give out your social security number, date of birth, drivers license number, or any other personally identifiable information on an on line application. If the application won't submit without this information fill it in with zero's or x's. If you are not comfortable filling out on line applications contact the company directly and request a hard copy that can be mailed or faxed. Many employers also welcome you to come in in person to fill out an application.

PHONE/FAX NUMBERS & EMAIL ADDRESSES
When contacting potential employers it is best to use a direct line. Phone and fax numbers should have the same area code, and usually the same first three digits. For example if the the phone number to the business is 847-691-5521, the fax and any other number used for callbacks should begin with 847-691-xxxx. If the phone number is different completely, or in another area code you may not be dealing with an actual employer. Always request that the potential employer call on a company number, and not on their cell phone or another line. A reputable business owner would not let the hiring manager redirect phone calls to his/her cell phone. You can verify that a person actually works for a company by calling the direct number and asking for the Human Resources department. They should also be able to verify with you the address of the company and if there are any job openings.

When it comes to email communication beware of addresses that do not include the company name. A proper business email should read as the following, johndoe@BusinessName.com, .net, .edu., or .org. Emails that do not include the business name in last part of the address are probably unsolicited and may be connected to all sorts of identity scams. Some email addresses may read johndoeBusinessName@email.com. These kinds of email addresses can be made by anyone anywhere and you should not trust them unless you have met them. Just as you can make an email account for yourself, a crook could make one for a fake business email address.

BACKGROUND AND CREDIT CHECKS
Often employers will conduct background and credit checks as a part of the hiring process, and those are the key words to remember; hiring process. Credit and background checks should only be conducted after the first interview, and generally only if you are going to be hired. Many business check felony, motor vehicle, and credit records before hiring anyone, especially if the work requires you to work with machinery, hold a professional license, or even drive a truck. Never pay on line to let a business check your credit or background. The business should absorb the cost anyway and you need to be smart about what you reveal to unknown persons. Giving out your account information on line to get a credit check is not a good idea either. If you need a copy of your credit report you should contact the three major bureaus.

INTERVIEWS
When preparing for an interview there are three things you should always do. Check with the Better Business Bureau (bbbonline.com) to find out if the company is in good standing, and call Human Resources to confirm your interview and the business address. If your interview is not at the business location, ask why and find out if the location is actually affiliated with the business. Hiring managers do not conduct interviews in diners, fast food restaurants, apartments, or hotel rooms.

If asked to provide personal information always do it in person, and only if you are comfortable. Instincts don't lie and if you think you're in a bad situation you're probably right. Never give out personal information over the phone or Internet because you may be opening yourself up to trouble. Being unemployed is tough enough and being taken advantage of while searching for a job can be financially crushing. When searching the Internet for a job take these tips into consideration. For more information on this subject, and for current breach lists and scam alerts log onto http://www.idtheftcenter.org.