Run Background Checks on Scammers Before They Run One on You

In case you didn't know it yet, our economy is in a deep recession. With hundreds of thousands of layoffs around the country, more people are looking for jobs than anyone can remember in recent history. In recent years, job search methods have become increasingly electronic - faster and more convenient for both job seekers and job givers - so most people are searching and applying for jobs online.

Unfortunately, as with almost any trend, in spite of numerous advantages, new problems arise as well. With so many people looking for work, many who would rather commit fraud than find a job are looking for ways to cash in on the grave situation. There is no lack of ingenuity: new job scams are surfacing on the Web every day, slick enough to fool even the most educated consumers.

The tricksters hope to utilize background checks and credit checks as a way to obtain personal information for identity theft. These relatively new concepts have gradually become an inherent part of the employment process, and although most jobseekers know that, few understand the rules and laws behind them. That's what the crooks find attractive, trying to cash in before the public is sufficiently informed.

One jobseeker recently tried to find work on CraigsList. An ad for a receptionist in a dental office caught her interest, but the ad failed to mention the name of the employer, only that it's a family medical clinic, and instructed to email 'Mallory' for more information. The applicant's email elicited a response e-mail requesting a credit card number for a background check. Apparently, it was this company's policy to conduct a background check prior to an actual interview. That seemed strange, and the woman wanted to know where this office was located and who would be privy to her personal information. She decided to do more research and found the same ad in every major city, with faithful 'Mallory' as a contact around the country. When she tried to reach the job poster again, the listing was gone, and no one responded to further email.

The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reports a striking increase in fraudulent job listings, and is issuing a new warning about Craigslist and other job hunting websites. The FBI reminds all jobseekers: know your rights and the rules of the game. The criminals are mainly hunting for credit cards, bank accounts and Social Security Numbers. Do not give out this information unless you are dealing with a known employer in person. Don't allow desperation to cloud your judgment: it is illegal for any employer to run a background check until you receive an explicit job offer.