Transcript How To Avoid Identity Theft When Job Searching Presented By: Mike Nicholas Types of Job Scams • Most common job scams (2) • Phishing Scam • ID theft.

How To Avoid
Identity Theft
When Job Searching
Presented By:
Mike Nicholas
Types of Job Scams
• Most common job scams (2)
• Phishing Scam
• ID theft occurs when victims are
emailed and told about potential
jobs and/or making extra money.
• Victims are redirected to a website
designed specifically for gathering
personal information – job-like in a
job application.
• Fake Employers on Legitimate Site
• They post a generic job that is very
appealing to lots of people.
• Talk to applicants and convince
them to submit personal info.
Source: http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/111309-job-search-scams-protectyourself.html
Example of Job Scams
• Earn $100 or $10K or more a month.
• Easy work from home.
• We are seeking individuals ready for a
challenge.
• We paid you too much money. Wire
the overage to a third party. (The initial
check bounces…)
• Please take the time to complete the
form on this other site. (Are you
applying for a job – or filling out a
form?)
• Please send us $49.95 for your job kit
today! (Forms in the kit are actually
free.)
Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsearchscams/qt/scamexamples.htm
Tips To Protect Yourself
• Never share your bank account or
SSN information up front. Once you are
an employee – direct deposit. SSN only for tax
purposes after you have accepted their offer.
• Never agree to a background check
up front. Only if you are a finalist – SSN is
needed for background check.
• Research potential employers. Check
with the BBB and see if the business actually
has a physical address.
• Consider sharing less information on
your resume and/or on your website.
Possibly only include an email address to get
the discussion started.
• Opt out. This cuts down on spam from third
party sites and receiving offers.
Source: http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/111309-job-search-scams-protectyourself.html
Robert Siciliano – Identity Theft Speaker
Theft Expert discusses Internet Security and Job Scams.
Source: http://www.IDTheftSecurity.com – Copyright 2009 - Fox News
Sniffing Out The Scam – Part 1
• What is legitimate; what isn’t?
• Does the business have a physical
address?
• Are you immediately uncomfortable?
• Paying cash or too much money?
• Should I see any red flags?
• Asked to disclose personal info.
• Feeling uncomfortable
• What can I disclose safely?
• Go with name and email address
• What shouldn’t I disclose?
• Perhaps go with phone number next.
Keep background check info. until last.
Source:
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsearchprivacy/a/indentitytheft.htm
Sniffing Out The Scam – Part 2
• How can you protect yourself when
posting information online?
• Scrub personal information – no
Driver’s License Number, Social
Security Number, and/or Date Of Birth
• What do I do if my identity has been
stolen?
• Contact your local police
department
• Place a fraud alert on your credit
report immediately
Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsearchprivacy/a/indentitytheft.htm
Stop! Look! Listen!
• What do you do when the phone
rings?
• Pick it up and answer it.
• What do you do when the door bell
rings?
• Go to the door and answer it.
• What should you do when posed with
a potential job opportunity?
• Jump at it! You are a trusting soul.
• Whoa – back up the train…stop, look
and listen. Then move cautiously.
• You can always provide more
information
• But you can’t take information back!
• Scams look to gain your trust.
How To Avoid Identity Theft When Job Seeking
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cjayt1u16iE (Copyright: www.lynda.com - tutorial)
But Wait…There’s More!
• Question: What if I don’t have a phone
or a phone number? How can
employers contact me?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Answer – Google Voice
It’s free
Connects to your Gmail account
Calling groups with customization
Text alert to phone or email
Ability to ring multiple phones
Voice Mail and Transcription services
Google Voice Blog for updates and
ideas
Source: http://www.google.com/googlevoice/about.html
Summary – Protecting Yourself
• Guard your social security number as well as your DOB.
• Never provide financial information (bank account number).
• Don’t supply direct deposit information before being hired.
• Use caution when filling in online forms.
• Create separate email accounts (free Gmail accounts are
best):
 Personal (for family and friends)
 Job Seeking (for potential employers)
 Junk (for sign-ups and registrations)
• Be attentive when applying for jobs online.
• Fully research the potential employer.
Source: http://idtheft.about.com/od/theftmethods/a/EmploymentScams.htm
Summary – Resources For You
• Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.org)
• Snopes Urban Legends (http://www.snopes.com)
• MSP ID Theft Resources (www.michigan.gov/identity-theft)
• Michigan AG – ID Theft Information For Consumers
(http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,4534,7-164-17337_20942230557--,00.html)
• Michigan Legal Aid – ID Theft Resources
(http://www.michiganlegalaid.org/library_client/resource.200505-29.1117417906674/html_view)
• Federal Trade Commission – ID Theft Website
(http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft)
Questions?
Contact Information:
Mike Nicholas – Davenport University
6191 Kraft Avenue SE – Grand Rapids
Phone: 616.554.4717
Email: [email protected]