The Job Market: Internet Jobs Abound With Scams

By James Fox on August 31, 2010, 1:29 pm

Not everyone is deciding to take the 99 weeks of unemployment. Some people choose to engage in other entrepreneurial activities. Some of these people naturally turn to the Internet to find the new opportunities. The Internet job searcher should proceed with extra caution compared to a person seeking a more traditional job would. The scams have not changed much and unlike other frauds committed online, they have not gotten any savvier.

Are More People Falling For Fraudulent Job Schemes

The same percentage of people is falling for the usual job scams that usually fall for them. The numbers are higher because of the poor economic conditions. There are a number of warning signs that an Internet Job offer is a scam of some sort. The biggest clue is if it comes in the form of an unsolicited e-mail. These offers are usually phishing schemes designed to get a user’s personal data. The links may also download a class of malicious software known as key loggers onto your computer.

 

Not Falling for the Schemes

The most important thing is to not click on a link if you do not know or do not trust its source. If a user finds his way to the website through more traditional means, he should watch for classic signs. A legitimate job offer never looks for money from the user up front. Also, be sure not to give out your credit card number. Some business may, after you apply and are accepted into the program ask you to fill out a W-9 form. The place itself does not need this information, but the federal government requires them and a person working independently can expect to receive his 1099s in the mail the year after he fills these forms out, provided that the total more than $600. Basically, tread with caution and never pay any money up front.

Related posts:

1. Consumer Alert: New Health Insurance Reform Laws Creating New Scams
2. FCC: $9B Going To Rural Areas To Have High Speed Internet
3. Internet Will Compete In The Nobel Peace Prize
4. Cyber Monday: How To Avoid The Scams And Have A Great Shopping Day
5. Beware Of Any Email Received From Walmart: Email Heist Going On