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Identity Theft and Other Scams Are Issues Facing Summer Job Seekers, Warns Better Business Bureau


Chicago, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Finding a summer job is always a top priority for college and high school students. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers of seasonal job scams, which can lead to identity theft. Signs of these scams include fake postings that require little effort for the job or claim to be high paying. By falling for these scams, students can waste time, lose money, as well as be victims of identity theft.

"When your job search turns to desperation, a great posting can seem promising, but it can also lead to trouble," says Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. "It’s important to always take appropriate measures to not get scammed and to check companies you apply for with the BBB."

The BBB offers summer job hunters these issues to look out for:

  • No interview or application. If you are offered a job without a formal interview or job application, it’s most likely a scam. Do not provide any personal or financial information, as it can lead to identity theft.
  • No job details. If the employer does not provide you with the details of the job in writing, be wary. When you have details in writing, be sure to read them carefully and ask questions.
  • No website or contact. If the employer does not have a website or contact information is missing, consider that a red flag.
  • Fees required. If the employer requires fees for training, background checks or drug tests, it is likely to be a scam. These costs are normally the responsibility of the employer.
  • Too good to be true. If an employer offers you a lot of money for simple work or to work at home, it is most likely too good to be true.

Job hunters should always do an internet search of the business for both positive and negative comments and then follow-up with the employer.Check the potential employer’sBBB Business Review to see if the employer has a good rating.

For more information on scams, visit www.bbb.org, like us onFacebook, or follow us on Twitter.

The BBB is a non-profit, non-governmental organization.  It is supported by businesses to protect consumers against scams and other unethical business practices.  The group accomplishes this by educating both consumers and businesses, and by highlighting trustworthy businesses. By developing reports and ratings on businesses and charitable organizations, the BBB encourages people to use these as resources and referrals to utilize the free services before making a purchase or donation. The BBB helps resolve buyer/seller complaints through its alternative dispute resolution process. In 2014, the BBB provided more than 13,700,000 instances of service.  Over 78 percent of consumer complaints to the BBB were resolved. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois is a member of the international BBB system that services the United States, Canada and Mexico.


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