Author: Jason Dick

There are three main types of common online job scams:

1. Phony Job Offers-With this type of scam, Internet thieves create fake, but convincing job ads, which they then post either on legitimate job boards or bogus websites that are made to look like real company websites.

2. ID Checks-With this type of scam, the Internet thief will request personal identification from you, i.e. driver's license, passport, bank account number or credit card number to run a credit check or other report before continuing with the job application process.

3. Personal Invitations-The Internet crook sends you an email claiming to have seen your online resume' or personal web page and notes how your skills match a position they have to offer, and invites you to fill out an online job application containing personal information.

To avoid online job-hunting scams follow these basic rules when applying for jobs online:

- Be leery of any spam email offering you assistance in looking for a job.

- Never provide any non-work related personal information, for example, credit card, date of birth, or home address through email or on your online resume'.

- Enter website addresses into your browser instead of clicking links when surfing job sources.

- Watch out for spelling errors in job ads, email addresses that do not bear the company's name and other inconsistencies.

- Be especially leery of job offers from businesses outside of the United States and Canada, as they are more often suspect and can be difficult to investigate.

- If a prospective employer requests a background check, agree to it only after having met them at their company location during regular business hours.

- Create an exclusive Web-based email address for all non-personal information.

- Never agree to deposit checks or money orders or to have money wired to your account. And don't forward money from your account to another, even if you're promised you'll be reimbursed. These checks will be counterfeit and the wire transfers will be rescinded.

- Verify the existence of a potential employer by checking through an agency like the BBB (Better Business Bureau) online or through a phone book and then contact them directly or visit them in person at the company location during regular business hours.

If you believe you have been the victim of an online job-hunting scam or identify theft, follow these steps immediately to protect your identity and help stop the criminals:

- Report the ad immediately to the organization who listed the ad.

- Report it also to the Federal Trade Commission

- Report it to the Internet Fraud Complaint Center

- Close any affected accounts.

Speak with the security or fraud department of every financial institution you deal with, including credit card companies, utilities, Internet Service Providers and anyone who has access to your personal information.

- Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.

Equifax: (800) 525-6285
Experian (888) 397-3742
TransUnion (800) 680-7289

- Get a copy of your credit report and ask that no new credit be granted you without your approval.

- Make sure your account is flagged with a fraud alert tag and a victim's statement and insist the alert remains active for a maximum of seven years.

- Send all of these requests in writing and maintain them for your records.

- File a police report with your local police and keep a copy of it to show your bank, credit card company or other creditors that you have been the victim of a crime and are not a credit abuser.

- Save all written correspondence and letters regarding the incident in a safe place.

Online job sites like Monster.com, remain a great way for many potential employees to surf job openings and present their skills. But, because of the nature of these sites and the amount of personal information that can be stolen in the name of application materials, these sites also remain a top target for identity theft and fraud. Following the above procedures will help you identify these scams, apply for online jobs safely and save you from identity theft and protect your credit, if you have already been a victim.

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About the Author:
Jason Dick is an Internet Security Specialist. Mr. Dick is a Tier-3 certified antivirus technician with extensive experience creating customized antivirus solutions for new and resistant spyware and virus infections. In addition, he has spent several years consulting with the average home computer user helping them get the most from their Internet Security Software. He is currently writing a series of articles entitled "Internet Security Tips for the Home User" to share his knowledge and expertise.To follow Jason's entire series and read a multitude of other exciting and up-to-date articles on Internet Security visit: http://home.stopsign.com "