As job seekers in Michigan explore new opportunities, Attorney General Dana Nessel has reissued a consumer alert regarding employment scams.
"Fraudsters take advantage of job seekers eager to find work to steal their money or personal information," Nessel stated. "When looking for a new job, stay vigilant and use trusted job search sources to protect yourself from employment scams."
Many individuals post their resumes on online job sites or social media apps, where both legitimate employers and scammers advertise positions. Job seekers should be cautious of certain warning signs when applying online:
- Receiving unsolicited requests for immediate interviews.
- Emails with poor spelling or grammar.
- Emails originating from personal rather than business accounts.
- Interviews conducted solely online through video chats.
- Offers with salaries higher than usual for the position.
- Requests for upfront payments for items like start-up equipment or background checks.
- Job offers made without verifying work experience or requesting references.
To safeguard against these scams, several precautions are advised:
- Be wary of unsolicited emails, especially from unfamiliar sources.
- Ensure email addresses originate from the company's domain, not personal accounts.
- Conduct online searches using the company’s name along with terms like “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.”
- Directly contact companies using verified contact information.
- Verify companies on the Better Business Bureau's website.
- Avoid companies that refuse to provide written information or a physical address before committing to a position.
- Be cautious of any company sending checks and asking you to advance money from your bank account; such checks may not clear.
For safe job searching online, reliable sources include:
CareerOneStop: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, it lists numerous jobs and links to state employment programs.
USAGov: Hosts local government websites listing open positions.
Job Seekers: Provides information about Michigan job opportunities.
SOM Job Openings: Lists available positions with the State of Michigan.
Those who have consumer complaints or suspect they have fallen victim to a scam can file complaints with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Team at:
Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
An online complaint form is also available.