Recognizing Job Scams

While we do our best to vet employers, employment scams are always changing and getting better at hiding in plain sight. We want to empower you to ensure the employers are legitimate. If you have any concerns about employer requests or interview procedures, please reach out to our office. We are happy to support you.

• Learn more about recognizing job scams

  Scammers may post jobs on popular job boards, and they may directly contact you via email offering to hire you for a position. Some scams may use reputable companies as fronts. They may even mention Handshake or UAA to make them seem more legitimate. 

  • • • Employers who use Handshake cannot see your alaska.edu email, and may only view your Handshake profile if you update your profile visibility settings.
        
      • Handshake will never ask for sign-in credentials or personal payment through email. If you receive an email requesting these or containing unusual phrases, spelling or grammar, please don’t click on any links or reply.
        

  Be wary if the job posting or email:

  • • • Requests for your personal information, such as address, phone number, etc. without any previous contact.
        
      • Asks for any money or sensitive personal information such as bank account, Social Security number, etc.
        
      • Focuses on money or promises to pay in advance. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
        
      • Uses an email address that is not linked to the company they represent.
        
      • Links to a nonprofessional-looking website.
        
      • Has spelling errors or lacks a professional tone.
        
      • References getting your contact information from your university or career center.

  Be skeptical, always ask questions and look up jobs/employers when you are viewing job postings or reading email offers.

   

  • Example scam email:

    My name is Bryan and I work with the HandShake, and my job is to provide part-time employment for qualified students during the academic year and beyond. I have contacted you because there is an opening for you at CDS and below are the lines from your potential employer:

    My name is Dr. John Mazzariello and I am the Senior Director of Practice Operations at the Center for Disability Services Council - New York Chapter (CDS).

    This is a virtual position which does not require you to travel to NY.

    I also provide individual and group therapy, coaching, assessment and academic screenings to support students with disabilities (physical, chronic, psychiatric, and invisible). A large percentage of the students served by the mental health unit have psychiatric disabilities or comorbid psychiatric disabilities and need mental health support to be successful at the University. In addition, many University of students with academic difficulties and no prior diagnosis are seen and assessed through the academic screening and assessment process. I am also the Director of supervision, training and coordination of counseling psychology and clinical psychology graduate students in the United States who have practicums at SCDD and APA-accredited school psychology predoctoral interns.

    You have received this email to be considered for an offer from the University Office for Students with Disabilities to work with me. This is an at-will position that reports directly to me. Should you decide to accept the offer, you do not have to travel down to New York to occupy this position as we are transitioning online as a result of COVID-19.

    I also have over 10 years of experience working with adults who have problematic relationships, childhood issues, and who feel stuck in their present life. It might be trauma, depression, anxiety, but whatever it is we can help you get "unstuck" together and I enjoy doing this. I believe everyone has the potential to help themselves, but sometimes we need some guidance.

    This is a very simple employment. You will only help me mail letters, make payments at Walmart and purchase some items for the new Hybrid Teachers when needed. This employment only takes 6 hours a day and 4 times a week for $620.00

    I am unable to meet up for an interview because I am currently away and helping the disabled students in Canada.

    You will be paid in advance for all tasks and purchases to be done on my behalf. Some of my personal letters and mails will be forwarded to your residence or nearby post office for you to pick up at your convenience. Upon my arrival we will discuss the possibility of making this a long-term employment if I am impressed with your services while I am away. My arrival is scheduled for the last week of June 2020.

    To be considered for this position, use your "alternate email (different from school email)" to contact your employer directly by sending an email with your details as follows:

    Full name,
    Current Residential Address,
    Alternate email (different from school email)
    Cell #.
    To: Dr. John Mazzariello

    Best,
    Bryan.
• Additional resources
  • Ten things you can do to avoid fraud
  • Federal Trade Commission job scam webpage
  • Look up companies with the Better Business Bureau