This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Is Your New Year's Resolution to Find a New Job?

The winter holidays have all but ended. As the calendar reaches the new year, many people use this time to set New Year’s resolutions for the upcoming year. Finding a new place of employment often ranks very high on many people's resolution lists.

One way to learn about new job opportunities and develop relationships with potential employers is through the social media channel LinkedIn. This is a very useful tool for job searching, but with many job seekers using LinkedIn to market themselves to potential employers, scammers also are finding ways to exploit the site by posing as recruiters. Better Business Bureau of Eastern MA, ME, RI and VT (BBB) wants job seekers to be prepared to avoid this kind of scam.

It is well known that LinkedIn appeals to job seekers because it allows them to post their experience and resumes, as well as, be contacted by potential employers or recruiters. However, scammers are known to create fake profiles to disguise themselves as recruiters. They will send messages that include a link to a site that requires personal information. These kinds of websites may look legitimate, but often they ask for financial and personal information, such as Social Security numbers. Scammers are able to use that information to steal your identity, access bank accounts or install malware on your computer.

Find out what's happening in Jamaica Plainwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Your BBB offers these simple tips to avoid becoming a victim of a LinkedIn scam:

  • Do not add just anyone on LinkedIn. Before connecting with or adding someone, check out their profile and connections. If you have doubts about their legitimacy, do not add them.
  • Remember that you will never be asked to pay for a legitimate job. If a ‘recruiter’ mentions an opportunity where you must pay for training it is a good idea to block them. A real employer will never ask you to pay to work.
  • Always be wary of work-at-home jobs. Real work-at-home jobs are scarce, so be cautious when you find these postings. Be sure to check their references and talk to former employees.
  • Search for the recruiter’s picture. Scammers often use a fake, generic photo and you can most likely find the photo elsewhere. A good place to review pictures is Google images.
  • Insist on you calling them. If a recruiter contacts you via message, request to speak on the phone. If they seem to avoid your phone call or won’t give you their number, consider that a red flag.
  • If you find yourself a victim of the scam, act fast. If a scammer was able to access your computer, they could have collected your personal information including passwords and banking information. Change your passwords immediately. If you see any strange banking activity, notify your bank. 

For more information you can trust, visit bbb.org

Find out what's happening in Jamaica Plainwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Jamaica Plain