Did you go beyond your budget this holiday season? For many, this time of year is a good time to pick up some part-time work to help pay off those holiday bills.
But beware, as scammers don’t take time off, especially around the holiday season. Here are some tips on how to spot job-related scammers, according to officials from the Federal Trade Commission:
- Don’t pay to get a job. Scammers may promise you a job — if you pay them. But no legitimate job will make you pay for expenses or fees to get the job. Anyone who does is a scammer.
- Never give personal information up front. Some scammers will try to get your credit card, bank account, or Social Security number as soon as you’re in contact.
- See what others are saying. Search online for the name of the company plus the words “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” You might find they’ve scammed other people.
- Talk to someone you trust — before you take a job offer or business opportunity. What do they think?
Learn more at ftc.gov/jobscams. And if you spot a job scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.