Avoiding a Job Interview Scam

When you really need a job, it’s easy to overlook things that would normally alert you to a scam.  Here are some tips that may help you identify a fake job interview.

Send out resumes and cover letters to potential employers with job listings matching your area of expertise.  Keep a list of the ones you contact and record the date.  Follow up with them to improve your chances of acquiring an interview.  Be wary of employers who you have not previously had contact with who call or email a job offer or interview.

Do adequate research on any employer before you go on the interview.  Determine their location, what type of business they are, and what type of services they offer.  Inquire with the Better Business Bureau and see it they have registered complaints.  Ask friends if anyone is familiar with the company.

If everything checks out, agree to the interview and go prepared with copies of your resume, cover letter, and a list of references.  When you arrive, look closely at the property.  Is it in a safe area?  Do they have security guards or cameras?  Do they look well-established?  Only enter the building with the bare necessities and leave most personal belongings at home.  Turn off your mobile phone or pager before entering as well.

Do not give the interviewer any personal information during the interview, like your social security number, or any bank information.  You name, phone number, address, and then the standard list of past-experience type questions should be the only things they ask you.  If you do not want to answer a question, politely refuse.  It is your right.  You may fear missing out on possible employment, but you don’t want to give someone too much information until you know they are legitimate. 

Pay close attention to the requirements versus the compensation package that they offer.  Does it seem like a good match or does it seem a little far fetched?  Also be very cautious if they seem too eager to give you the job with minimal questions or interview time.  If this happens, do not agree right then.  Tell them that you would like to think it over and that you will contact them very soon with a decision.  Ultimately, you want to find the perfect job, but you should never get so desperate that you leave yourself open to a scam.

Avoiding Online Money Making Scams

Supposedly, there are opportunities on the Internet for the average person to become a millionaire overnight with little or no effort. I have spent time and money "investing" in some of these opportunities and I want to help you avoid spending money on something that will offer you no return.

The first thing to consider when reading an article about making money online is, does the article sound believable? Does it sound legal? Does the program or system that you are buying into produce anything tangible or of any real worth to anyone? Does it offer a guarantee or trial period?

If everything seems to be legitimate at first glance, then it's time to do some investigating. Does the website offer contact information? Is there a phone number listed? If so, call the number and try to speak to a living human being. If you can't get through to anybody now, imagine how hard it will be to get a refund later if needed.

Visit the Better Business Bureau's website (www.bbb.com) and search for the website address (url) for the company that you are considering paying for services. Are they registered? If so, do they have any complaints against them? Do a whois lookup on the domain name. (ex. makelotsofmoneyovernight.com) Web sites like register.com are useful in performing a whois lookup. What name is the website registered under? If you search on this name, what information can you find online? If you find other web sites associated with the original website, search for them with the Better Business Bureau as well.

If you decide to make a purchase from a website, check to see if the "check out" page is on a secure server. If you are using Internet Explorer, look for the yellow lock symbol at the bottom of your web browser. Also be sure the web address begins with "https". When making a purchase, use a credit card rather than a debit card. Credit card companies usually cover fraudulent spending if someone obtains unauthorized access to your account.