As job scams continue to rise and recent reports indicate Veterans as prime targets, the VA is urging vigilance, issuing warnings to raise awareness, and providing guidance on how to avoid falling prey to these scams.
Veterans experience more financial losses compared to other groups falling victim to job scams. One reason for Veterans being targeted is their access to benefits and resources, making them attractive targets for scammers. According to the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, business and job opportunity scams ranked among the top 10 frauds reported in 2022. A recent report from the Better Business Bureau identified job scams as the second-riskiest scam in the same year.
Job scams come in many forms, including offers for new businesses, work-from-home opportunities, and fake job ads posted on legitimate job sites. Some common examples of work-from-home scams involve reshipping and reselling merchandise, as well as fraudulent job ads for positions such as nannies, caregivers, and virtual assistants. The diversity of these scams makes it important for Veterans to be cautious and informed.
Scammers often pose as “recruiters” on popular job platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed, luring victims to fake websites for phony virtual interviews. Their ultimate goal is not to hire but to extract money and personal information from unsuspecting individuals. Identifying scams from legitimate opportunities can be challenging, but there are steps Veterans can take to protect themselves.
The FTC recommends several precautions to avoid falling victim to job scams. Prospective job seekers should conduct online searches using keywords such as “scam,” “review,” or “complaint” alongside the company or person’s name. Verifying the legitimacy of a job offer can be done by contacting the company directly using a known and legitimate phone number on its website.
Additionally, individuals should scrutinize recruiters by checking online profiles and ensuring that communications originate from company domains, not personal email addresses. Trusted friends or family members can provide valuable perspectives on job offers, and asking questions about job descriptions and reading the fine print can reveal potential red flags.
Job seekers are advised not to disclose personal information during interviews and should be wary of requests for driver’s licenses, Social Security numbers, military service details, or bank account information. Legitimate employers will not demand payment for job promises, training, or equipment, and individuals should report any suspicious activity to the FTC.
In light of the prevalence of job scams, the VA is committed to assisting Veterans in finding employment and advancing in their civilian careers. VA provides employment resources for Veterans, which can be accessed here.
Additionally, Veterans can explore federal job opportunities at USAJOBS.gov, OPM.gov, and CareerOneStop.org. Resources for California Veterans are available through California Employment Development Department and CalVet.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.