Beware of Fake Job Postings Targeting Students

Jobs that sound too good to be true should raise red flags. Fake job postings are common in unsolicited emails sent to student accounts and on online job boards.

These scams are often attempts to steal your personal information, money, or bank account details—and could even entangle you in criminal activity, so stay cautious.

Here are some tips to help you identify fake jobs. You should always carefully research the legitimacy of employers before applying.

Common Job Scams 

Personal Assistant

Assistant Personnel 

Office Assistant

Dog walking

Over-payment Scams

Watch out for over-payment scams. These are often posted as a bookkeeper, personal assistant, administrative assistant, etc., to assist in processing checks or mystery/secret shoppers. The "company" sends a check to the "assistant" (student), who is then responsible for taking their"salary"out of the check and wiring the remainder of the money back to the "company." These checks are fraudulent and can leave you out of thousands of dollars and facing criminal charges.

Beware if the Email or Job Posting

• Does not indicate the company name
• Comes from an email address that doesn't match the company name
• Does not give the employer contact information, title of person sending the email, company address, phone number, etc.
• Offers to pay a large amount for almost no work
• Offers you a job without ever interacting with you
• Asks you to pay an application fee
• Wants you to transfer money from one account to another
• Offers to send you a check before you do any work
• Asks you to give your credit card or bank account numbers
• Asks for copies of personal documents
• Says you must send payment by wire service or courier
• Offers you a large payment for allowing the use of your bank account often for depositing checks or transferring money
• Sends you an unexpectedly large check

No legitimate employer will send payment in advance and ask the employee to send a portion of it back. DO NOT provide any personal information, especially Social Security numbers or financial information!

Report Suspicious Ads

If you have concerns about the legitimacy of a job, please report it to abuse@cscc.edu, or call the IT Support Center at 614-287-5050.

Students currently looking for work opportunities should schedule an appointment with a Career Services Counselor to develop a job search plan. Contact them at careerservices@cscc.edu, (614) 287-2782, or schedule directly at cscc.joinhandshake.com.