AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) advises jobseekers that individuals misrepresenting businesses may attempt to secure sensitive, personal information through deceit. This fraud can take the form of a bogus job opportunity used as bait to solicit information.
Unfortunately, criminal actors may take advantage of situations such as the COVID-19 crisis, to perpetrate employment scams and fraud. TWC reminds all jobseekers to practice caution when providing anyone with personally identifiable information.
Dishonest individuals may use public sources, such as social media accounts, to find personal information such as phone numbers and email addresses. These bad actors may then use this personal information to make jobseekers believe they are being contacted by legitimate sources.
Below are some indications that you may be a victim of an attempted scam by someone pretending to represent a company:
- An offer of employment without an interview.
- The offer is vague, and the employer is not willing to provide specific details until after you meet with them or provide personal information to them.
- The individual says there is a fee for assisting with submitting your application or for the interview.
- The individual is charging a fee to purchase a sales kit, equipment, classes, or any type of license.
- An offer that sounds too good to be true such as exaggerated claims of possible earnings or profits.
- Bad grammar or misspelled words in emails or texts.
- The employer is requesting that you transfer funds or receive packages for reshipment as part of the interview or application process.
- It is an unsolicited email for work-at-home employment.
- The individual requests to conduct interviews in a home setting or a hotel room.
Always research the company to ensure it is authentic. If you have concerns about the legitimacy of a company, contact your local Workforce Solutions Office or the Better Business Bureau. They can assist you.
Impersonating a public servant and identity theft are crimes punishable by law. If you believe you have been the victim of identity theft visit https://www.identitytheft.gov/.
