Articles - Archived Expert Advice

Scams Targeting the Unemployed

I was recently laid off, and have read several articles about scams targeting the unemployed. I am trying to find a job, and am very concerned about being scammed. Do you have any advice?

Due to the many bogus unemployment scams, your concerns are warranted. Recent statistics show that scammers are posing as staffing firms and unemployment agencies requesting fees to revise resumes and assist with interviews. They are also posing as government agencies that charge fake fees for filing unemployment benefits. Some even create a false sense of hope by claiming to offer access to job listings that are not currently available to the general public.

In either case, the sole purpose is to collect personal information, such as your Social Security number, birth date, credit score and other personal information. This is all in an effort to establish credit in your name, empty your bank accounts or rob you of your identity. Here are three things to keep in mind now that you are unemployed:

First, there is absolutely no fee to submit an application for unemployment benefits. Visit the N.C. Employment Security Commission at www.ncesc.com to get started.

Second, obtain a complimentary copy of your credit report by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com, and verify the accuracy of the information listed. Your potential new employer may view your file for employment purposes, and the last thing you need to worry about is not getting the job due to fraud.

Finally, proceed with caution if a heavy emphasis is placed on providing additional personal information not usually required on employment applications, if money is requested upfront, or if you receive generic emails with no company name.