Job Scams: Spot, Stop, and Safeguard | Career Center – UMass Dartmouth

A student guide from the UMass Dartmouth Career Center Spot the red flags Scammers target job seekers, especially students, by impersonating employers and offering “too good to be true” opportunities. Here’s what to look for: Common warning signs Unrealistic pay: Very high salary for minimal effort or qualifications. No application needed: You’re offered a job you never applied for. Vague or generic job descriptions: Lack of detail or clarity. Requests for payment: For equipment, background checks, or training. Early ask for personal info: SSN, bank info, passport, etc. Unprofessional communication: Bad grammar, odd email domains (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo). Text-only interviews: Interviews via messaging apps like WhatsApp or Zoom Chat. Mismatch in contact info: Recruiter email doesn’t match company website domain. Pressure to act fast: “You must respond today!” is a red flag. Common scam types Fake check/money mule: They send you a check (often oversized), ask you to deposit it, keep some, and wire the rest back or to a “vendor” for “supplies”. The check bounces later, leaving you responsible for the lost funds. Remote data entry/task scams: Offering simple online tasks with high pay, often requiring you to buy software or training first. The work might be fake, or
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