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Know how  to spot phony job postings

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By John North, Better Business Bureau 8:28 PM Saturday, November 21, 2009

A Huber Heights woman contacted the Better Business Bureau inquiring about a job posting she found on the CareerBuilder Web site. It was for a regional agent for The New Home Builder, a company headquartered in Zurich and expanding throughout Central and Eastern Europe with a base salary of $32,000 to $55,000, including additional bonuses and commissions.

The company found the woman’s resume and sent her an e-mail stating she was “most appropriate” for the position, along with a job description and employment application.

The BBB investigated The New Home Builder and was unable to confirm its legitimacy, despite the fact it claimed to be hugely successful, widespread in Europe and doing business in the U.S., there was no company information found.

Many scams are found through legitimate employment Web sites. Unfortunately, the Web site operators may not check the legitimacy of companies using their services.

Scammers create phony applications and job descriptions to attract unsuspecting job seekers. Con artists’ goals are to steal identities or hire “employees” to do illegal activities. The BBB advises you avoid employment opportunities involving paying money out of your pocket; using your personal bank account; reshipping products; or cross-border activities.

Another recent caller was concerned because she was supposed to meet a potential employer at a restaurant. She was instructed to bring her birth certificate and Social Security number. However, the company wouldn’t provide its company name. Be wary of companies asking for your birth date, Social Security number or a copy of your driver’s license or passport prior to being hired. Always check companies out by visiting www.bbb.org or calling (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301.

John North is president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau.

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