Avoid Fraudulent Job Postings

Protect Yourself While Searching for Your First Job

Landing your first professional job is exciting, but scammers often target job seekers with fake postings. As a University of Cincinnati student, you can stay safe by recognizing red flags and taking proactive steps. Here’s how to spot and avoid fraudulent job postings. 

Key Warning Signs

  • Never share sensitive details like your Social Security Number, driver’s license, bank account, or credit card information during the initial application process.
  • Be cautious of employers asking you to deposit checks, process payments, or share banking details for “setup assistance.”
  • Offers promising large payments for using your bank account are scams.
  • Unrealistic pay: If the salary seems too good to be true (e.g., far above industry standards), it probably is.
  • Vague salary ranges: Broad ranges (e.g., $40K–$80K) may signal a lack of transparency.
  • Contractor confusion: Be wary if a job advertised as traditional shifts to an independent contractor role.
  • Email red flags: Legitimate employers use official company email domains (e.g., @companyname
.com), not free services like @gmail
.com or @yahoo
.com. Always verify emails against the company’s official careers page.
  • Poor website quality: Legitimate organizations have professional websites with clear contact details, not just job listings.
  • Spelling/grammar errors: Numerous mistakes in job postings or emails are a major red flag.
  • Overemphasis on earnings: Posts focusing heavily on money rather than job duties are suspicious.
  • Instant replies or offers: Be cautious of immediate responses (beyond auto-replies) or job offers after minimal interaction, like a quick phone call or online interview.
  • Unsolicited emails: Generic emails not addressed to you personally or claiming UC referrals should be verified with the UC Bearcat Promise Career Center.

How to Verify a Job Posting

  • Check the source: Visit the company’s official website and careers page to confirm the job listing.
  • Research the employer: Use LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or the Better Business Bureau to review the company’s reputation. Search the company name with “scam” (e.g., “Company XYZ scam”) to uncover complaints.
  • Contact verification: Verify phone numbers or email addresses using tools like D&B Hoovers or Anywho.
  • Consult UC resources: Reach out to the UC Bearcat Promise Career Center at CCPS@uc.edu for guidance on suspicious postings.

What to Do If You Are a Victim

If you think you’re a victim of a fraudulent job posting, act quickly:

  • Report to UC Police: Contact the UC Campus Police at 513-556-4900 to file a report.
  • Secure your accounts: Notify your bank or credit card company immediately to close affected accounts and dispute charges.
  • File a complaint: Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or the U.S. Department of Justice’s Computer Crime section.
  • Inform the UC Bearcat Promise Career Studio: They can help verify postings and guide you on next steps.

Stay Safe and Confident

Your job search should be exciting, not risky. By staying vigilant and using UC’s resources, you can avoid scams and focus on finding the right opportunity. When in doubt, contact the Bearcat Promise Career Studio [add linkl] for personalized support.