Students urged to beware of summer job scams


The Victoria Day long weekend is usually a marker for students to start looking for employment.

Many hope to find a job as soon as possible in order to maximize their income during the three months of summer vacation. However, with job scams being some of the riskiest in Canada for 2020, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) ​​urges students looking for jobs to be aware of bogus job postings.

BBB Canadian Scam Tracker Risk Report 2020 identified that students and people aged 25 to 34 were the most likely and most likely to be victims of employment scams. Sixty-five percent of reported employment scams were related to becoming a “warehouse redistribution coordinator” or similar title involving reshipping packages, some of which involved stolen goods. In many cases, scammers have masqueraded as well-known retailers, like Amazon and Walmart, to appear legitimate.

“More than half of job scam victims were looking for work-from-home opportunities,” said Karla Laird, BBB’s senior director for media communications.

“As students search for flexible employment opportunities, they should keep in mind that not all jobs posted are legitimate and be sure to verify details before submitting their resume with all of their personal information. Job scams don’t just affect those who lose money. For every job scam victim who lost money in the last year, at least one more worked without pay and another lost personal information that could lead to identity theft. “

To avoid employment scams targeting students looking for summer employment, BBB shares the following tips:

• Some posts are more likely to be scams. Beware of parcel forwarding and secret buyer positions, as well as any jobs with generic titles such as caregiver, administrative assistant, or customer service representative. Positions that don’t require special training or knowledge attract a wide range of applicants, which crooks use to cast a wider net for potential victims. If the job posting is for a well-known company, check the company’s website to determine if the position is legitimate. If the post is in more than one city with the exact same wording, it may be a scam. Jobs that advertise themselves as “high wages and flexible hours” are extremely attractive to students looking for summer jobs, a fact that scammers use to their advantage. Beware of posts that use this type of language.

• Beware of aggressive job offers. Employer pressure to start immediately can be a red flag. Choosing a place to work is an important decision that takes time to think. Be especially wary if the position is offered without maintenance or promises significant income on the condition that the employee pays for coaching, training, equipment or certifications.

• Don’t deposit unexpected or suspicious checks. Be careful with your social insurance number and your banking information. Also beware of signs of an overpayment scam. Legitimate businesses won’t overpay an employee or demand compensation by requiring the money to be transferred elsewhere.

• Get contracts in writing. Employee requirements, qualifications, job duties, pay and length of employment must be recorded in writing.


About Karren Campbell

Check Also

Legendary hitmaker Linda Perry: “Singers have to earn my songs. I don’t just distribute them’ | Music

‘I have over 100 hats,” says Linda Perry, who wears an eye-catching western number today …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.