Lansing, Michigan – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued another alert to people actively looking for jobs throughout the state in an attempt to stop the growing flood of employment frauds. Nessel warns job seekers to remain vigilant and informed among a rising number of reports in order to protect against fraudulent plans meant to scam unsuspecting victims.
“Fraudsters take advantage of job seekers eager to find work to steal their money or personal information,” Nessel said. “When looking for a new job, stay vigilant and use trusted job search sources to protect yourself from employment scams.”
Key indicators of employment scams
In the digital age, job seekers commonly use online platforms to connect with potential employers. However, these same platforms are also frequented by scammers. Attorney General Nessel outlined several warning signs that job applicants should watch for:
- Unexpected job offers, especially those demanding an immediate response.
- Poorly written job listings or emails.
- Communications originating from personal, rather than professional, email addresses.
- Job interviews conducted exclusively through digital means.
- Offers that include unusually high salaries for the roles advertised.
- Demands for payment upfront for equipment or background checks.
- Promises of employment without a proper interview process or reference check.
Read also: Flint City Bucks to face Northern Indiana FC in military appreciation match on June 14
Protective measures against job scams
Attorney General Nessel recommends several strategies to avoid becoming a victim of job scams:
- Scrutinize Communication: Verify that any communication comes from an official company email and not a personal or unrelated address.
- Research the Company: Perform internet searches on the company using keywords like “fraud” or “scam” to see if others have reported issues.
- Contact the Company Directly: Use independently verified contact information to confirm job details.
- Consult Trusted Sources: Verify the company’s legitimacy through the Better Business Bureau or similar agencies.
- Steer Clear of Unusual Financial Requests: Be wary of any employer asking you to make upfront payments or process financial transactions.
Read also: Flint invests in waste management modernization with cutting-edge service trucks
Reliable job search resources
For safer job hunting, the Attorney General endorses using credible resources such as:
- CareerOneStop: A U.S. Department of Labor site that aggregates job listings and provides links to training programs.
- USAGov: Lists employment opportunities available through local government agencies.
- Michigan-specific Job Portals: Including sites like Job Seekers and SOM Job Openings, which offer listings for jobs within the state and with state government.
Read also: Detroit Mayor Duggan unveils $3 billion budget with tax cuts and major city investments
How to report employment scams
Michigan residents who believe they have come across a work scam should let the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team know about their interactions. Reports can be filed online, faxed, or over the phone. Recording these incidents helps authorities target fraudulent operators and stop further victimizing of job seekers.
Read also: New housing developments bring affordable living to Detroit’s most sought-after neighborhoods
Through awareness and appropriate security measures, Michigan’s workers may navigate the employment market with greater security, differentiating between honest job offers and fraudulent schemes with the potential for causing financial loss or identity theft.
More details can be found here.