Avoiding Job Scams

UMass Lowell and Handshake make reasonable efforts in reviewing job postings and employers for potentially fraudulent job postings or inappropriate recruiting practices. Students and alumni are responsible for researching any opportunity that interests them by reading information about the organization, visiting the organization’s website, searching for the organization online, or asking questions during the interview process.

Quick Tips to Protect Yourself

  1. Never share personal and financial information
  2. Verify the company’s credentials and job posting’s legitimacy
  3. Seek help when unsure: If you come across any suspicious employer job postings, cease any communication with that employer and alert UMass Lowell’s Career & Co-op Center by email career_services@uml.edu or call 978-934-2355.

Common Warning Signs of Fraudulent Job Postings

Requests for Sensitive Information

  • You must provide your credit card, bank account numbers, or other financial documentation.
  • You are asked to provide your Social Security number or driver’s license information during the initial application.
  • You are asked to provide a photo of yourself.
  • You are offered a large payment or reward in exchange for allowing the use of your bank account.
  • You receive an unexpectedly large check (often slightly less than $500, typically sent or deposited on Fridays).
  • The employer asks for banking information to help set up a local office.

Questionable Communication and Hiring Practices

  • The interview is conducted online via chat, and an offer is given almost immediately.
  • The employer responds to you immediately after you submit your resume (excluding auto-responses).
  • The employer contacts you by phone, but there’s no way to call them back.
  • The posting includes many spelling and grammatical errors.
  • The contact email uses domains like @live.com, @gmail.com, @yahoo.com, or @hotmail.com.
  • The E-Mail handle doesn’t match the company’s domain.

Misleading Job Descriptions

  • The position requires an initial investment, such as a payment by wire service or courier.
  • The job initially appears traditional but turns out to be an independent contractor role.
  • The posting focuses on earnings rather than job responsibilities.
  • The salary range is unusually wide (e.g., “$40K–$80K the first year!”).
  • The “first-year compensation” is far above the average for that role.

Company Legitimacy Concerns

  • The company’s website lacks a clear index or only contains job-related information.
  • It’s difficult to find an address, actual contact, or company name.
  • When you Google the company name with the word “scam,” several scam reports from sites like Ripoff Report and the Better Business Bureau appear.
  • The employer’s phone number, fax number, or email isn’t linked to a legitimate business.

What To Do if You Are Already Involved in a Scam

If you fall victim to a scam, remain composed. It’s crucial that you act immediately to protect your interest and minimize any potential loses.

Escalate to other law enforcement authorities: If the incident occurred completely over the Internet, the student should file an incident report with the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) or by calling the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

Report to local authorities: The police are responsible for conducting an investigation (regardless of whether the scam artist is local or in another state). If you are a current student, you may file a report with the UMass Lowell Police Department by calling them at 978-934-2398.

Notify your bank/card issuer: If you sent money to a fraudulent employer, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report the suspicious activity, close/freeze the account, and dispute the charges.

Report the scam to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Submit a complaint to the FTC to alert them of the scam. You can also report it to your state attorney general (Massachusetts residents may file this Consumer Complaint Form.)

Stay vigilant: Visit the FTC’s IdentityTheft.Gov website for step-by-step recommendations to further protect yourself.