Careers

Why look for just another job, when you can embark upon a whole new career? Learn about the latest developments in careers for military spouses. With your mobile lifestyle, there are certain portable careers that can offer you and your family stability and future growth. If you have any topics that you would like to see us write about, feel free to email the editor: info@salutetospouses.com
Practicing OPSEC in Your Job Search
Editor's Note: The following is a guest post by Jessica Howington.

When it comes to work at home jobs, if it sounds too good to be true, it might just be. Anyone with an email address has witnessed their spam box fill with dozens of messages promising a salary of $6,000 a month for doing absolutely nothing - except potentially ruining your credit and identity. I’ve seen it happen more than once and unfortunately, it isn’t a pretty sight. The good news is that it can be prevented with a little practical application of OPSEC. Yep, you heard me right. Application of OPSEC in your personal communications is just as crucial as with military interactions. Here are some tips to spotting those tricky remote jobs scams, how to avoid them and what to do if you find one or happen to be scammed.

Spotting Scams

  • Know Your Source: Make sure you thoroughly research every company and person you apply with. A quick search online can reveal negative (or positive) news about a company and give you some sense of their reputation. Checking reports at the Better Business Bureau can help as well.
  • Paying for Employment: This is a big no-no. While there may be a few companies that require some costs, the consensus is that you get paid for being employed, not the other way around. Adrian Reynolds, Manager of Research at FlexJobs, says “If someone is asking you to pay to work for them, then it is likely a scam.”
  • Substantial Wages: If the salary doesn’t match the job duties it can spell trouble. Many scams promise huge sums of money for tasks that seem extremely simple and easy.
  • Too Good to be True: If it sounds that way it probably is. Legitimate telecommuting jobs are extremely similar to their office-based role. There is no easy money, get rich fast, legitimate remote jobs.
  • Personal Information: Many scammers are out to get personal information and money. DO NOT make it easy for them. If the application asks for a social security number, credit card number, or any other personal information you may have just found yourself a scam.

Avoiding Scams

  • Verify Information: Check the Better Business Bureau, browse the company website, and do independent searches. Double check and cross check all possible information.
  • Make Contact: Call the company at the number listed on their REAL website. Talk to a real person at the company and if at all possible, talk to someone doing the hiring for the job you are interested in.
  • Ask Questions: Ask them and make them detailed. A real company will have detailed answers pertaining to their mission and operations whereas a scam may try to lead you to another topic.
  • Be Patient: It’s hard when you’re unemployed to have patience, but the quicker you are to jump into something the more likely you may make a mistake. If you start to feel the rush, take a deep breath and step back for a few minutes.
  • Be Cautious: Unfortunately, you can’t believe everything you read on the Internet. Make sure to guard your personal information and do the research to keep you and your information safe.

What to do if you’re scammed

  • Contact the Hiring Company: Sometimes scammers use actual legitimate company names to gather information. Adrian Reynolds, Manager of Research at FlexJobs, suggests contacting the real company and letting them know someone is using their name in a scam.
  • File a BBB Complaint: Contact the Better Business Bureau and file a complaint about the company. The complaint will be logged and used by others.
  • Report the Phishing Page to Google: Google provides a page to report phishing sites that will allow them to evaluate the site and keep other users safe.
  • File a Complaint with the FTC: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission about the business, their practices, and any issues with identity theft so that they can open an investigation.
  • File a Complaint with the IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center): The IC3 accepts and investigates Internet crime complaints and can refer the complaint to the appropriate law enforcement entity.
  • Contact, Cancel, and Change Account Information: If you gave out any information, make sure to change it. Call banks and credit card companies to change account information, change account passwords and make sure to put an alert on the accounts you have.
  • Credit Alert: If a scammer has your information they may attempt to open new lines of credit. Contact the three different credit agencies: Experian, Equifax, and Transunion and place a fraud alert on your credit report to be notified if someone uses your name for credit.

Remember, not all work at home jobs are scams. If you practice good OPSEC and do the research you can find some really great opportunities!

 

About the Author:
Jessica Howington is a prior stay at home mom with a background in education and healthcare. As a researcher and Team Lead for the writing team for the award-winning site FlexJobs , she strives to support those in search of flexible employment opportunities through finding and verifying legitimate flexible positions. She provides job search information, tips, and insight into the employment world related all job seekers through theFlexJobs Blog

 


 

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