Top Official Shares How to Recognize Job Scams

3. We're hearing from people getting scammed after finding a job online. Any advice?

An on-the-spot job offer is a red flag. Legitimate companies will want to talk to you before they hire. Don't pay for the promise of a job, and be careful of the overpayment scam where you “mistakenly” get a check too soon, then get asked to return the overpayment with gift cards or wire transfers.

4. Some job sites request that you post your résumé. Isn't that dangerous?

That depends. Résumés should reveal only professional information. Be strategic about what you put in. Don't include your driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth or even your full street address.

5. An unsolicited job offer can seem like a godsend. But should people be suspicious?

Yes. Avoid job opportunities that are offered by strangers who may contact you out of the blue by email, phone or social media, and avoid clicking on provided links. Legitimate businesses don't offer jobs randomly.

6. We hear from people being offered “career advancement grants.” Are they legitimate?

Usually not. It's a new take on the government grants scam. It's aimed at job seekers who may want to add certifications or courses to their résumés to advance their careers. It's enticing to think the government is awarding a grant to pay for such expenses. But if you're asked to pay any kind of fee, don't. It's likely a scam.

7. Is getting a check before you actually go to work ever legitimate?

That's very unlikely; usually that's a sign of a scam. Never deposit a fishy check.

8. What job services can you trust?

You should start with USAJobs.gov. This is the federal government's official site, with job openings nationwide. Then, the Department of Labor sponsors CareerOneStop, which lists hundreds of thousands of jobs and has links to employment and training programs in each state. Among private sites, Indeed, LinkedIn and Monster are some that are legitimate.

9. Give us your best advice to avoid employment fraud.

Always do your research before you apply for a job, particularly if you found it on a social networking site or in an online ad. Search online for the name of the company plus the words “review,” “complaint” or “scam.” If little about the company shows up, or it has tons of complaints, you should move on.

10. Are you also seeing fraud targeting those filing for unemployment?

We're seeing people file fake claims using the names and personal information they've stolen. It's a huge national problem, and it is slowing the delivery of needed benefits to those who earned them. It's also costing states hundreds of millions of dollars. If you find out someone has filed a fake claim in your name, it probably means someone has stolen information like your Social Security number and date of birth.