Yes, job search scams are often "too good to be true" job opportunities

Work-at-home jobs have always been targeted by scammers hoping to gain personal and financial information. As a result of the pandemic and our increasing online lives, working remote scams are thriving.

These scams are unfortunately found on all platforms ZipRecruiter, Indeed even LinkedIn. They may also come through social media like Facebook, Telegram, Reddit, Twitter or Instagram. 

Some telltale signs indicate a job posting is probably a scam: 

• If the ad seems too good to be true: quick money, unlimited earning potential, free work-from-home jobs. 
• If the recruiter is pushing you to accept the job now. A legitimate company won’t push you into accepting a job offer immediately. 
• The job post or email has obvious grammatical or spelling errors. 
• If the email address or URL has extra letters. 
• You’re offered the job without a recruiter verifying your work experience or asking for references.
• The “company” has an email domain from Gmail or other popular providers. 
• The job description is unusually vague. 
• Example of a Copycat Scam Using CNBC’s Web Design, Logo, Etc. 
• If you are asked to invest money in training, equipment, office supplies, etc. 
• If you are asked to send a prospective employer money in any electronic form or gift cards. 

It is easy to fall for job scams, but there are a few things you can do to protect yourself: 

• Do your homework. Research the company and the people who contact you. What results do you get when you search company name + scam? You can also use the Better Business Bureau’s scam tracker to review (and report!) job scams. If it is found on our platform, MyCareer, please report it immediately by emailing careerdev@franklin.edu. 
• Connect with the company. Go directly to the company website and see if the job is posted on their jobs page. 

There are excellent remote roles for employees in nearly every field. But, it is also an area where scams can be found. Be smart and search safely, and familiarize yourself with the common career fields that frequently allow workers to earn an income from home. 

Trust your gut. If it feels like a scam, it probably is.