by Anita DeCianni Brown, Career Development Coordinator

Conducting a job search in the middle of a global pandemic can certainly be a challenge! Maneuvering the job boards and networks for job opportunities can uncover some excellent opportunities, and a scam or two.

Last week, a colleague reached out to me because of a job offer their child, who had just graduated from college, received. Two weeks ago, the new graduate applied for a position as a remote graphic designer with Fourteen Foods, Dairy Queen, posted on LinkedIn. Within a day, they were extended a virtual interview. They showed up for their virtual interview only to find it was to complete a questionnaire/survey. Within a couple days, there was a job offer. Everything looked promising, until a check for $6,000 arrived via FedEx over the weekend. This check was to purchase the equipment and software necessary to the work. They were given instructions to confirm receipt of the check, deposit it at an ATM, and send a copy of the receipt verifying the deposit. 

This is when the parents started to have concerns. Their child tried reaching out to the Fourteen Foods corporate office and provided me with the timeline of the interview and offer, as well as a copy of the offer letter. I was able to find the person who “made the offer” on LinkedIn and a contact email on Google. I sent a message and a copy of the offer letter to the “sender.” Within minutes, I received a reply from Fourteen Foods that they were aware of the scam and alerted their IT department about the offer letter. She also extended the company’s apologies to the candidate. 

Scams can happen anytime, but during the pandemic, some individuals prey upon desperation in the job market to take advantage of others. A check for $6,000 showing up before the holidays during a global pandemic sounds too good to be true – and can turn into a nightmare.  The potential scenarios have been around for a while and could include a Check Cashing Scheme or a Money Laundering Scheme.

Here are some ways to be extra cautious in your job search:

• There are many job boards that are out there, and you should use them to create your list, but always go directly to a company’s website to apply. If they do not list the opportunity on their website, reach out to the HR department and mention that you are interested in applying and want to know if the position is still open.
• If you are contacted about an interview, double check that the email address lines up with the company name instead of a Gmail or other free/general email address.
• Rarely, if ever, is there as quick a turnaround from applying to the position, being offered an interview, and receiving a job offer. The scenario above took place in less than one week’s time – and there wasn’t even an interview.
• If you receive a check to purchase supplies, it's a red flag. Companies do not front money, especially not pre-employment, to purchase items that are necessary to do your job. Should you need special software and equipment, the company likely will send the equipment and software to you during the onboarding process. They might ask you to purchase items and send them the receipts for reimbursement.  Legitimate companies WILL NOT send you a check for $6,000 and ask you to send them a copy of the ATM deposit receipt.