Typical Employment Scams: What Seniors and Their Adult Children Need to Know

TrainMyParent.com
Jun 19
4 min read

Eye-level view of a computer screen displaying a job listing — Is it a real offer? Or is it just another way to get your personal information?

Finding work can be challenging, particularly for seniors. Unfortunately, this age group is often targeted by scammers looking to exploit their vulnerabilities. Understanding typical employment scams is essential for seniors and their adult children. This blog post aims to raise awareness and provide practical prevention tips to keep you safe.

Understanding Employment Scams

Employment scams are fraudulent schemes that promise job opportunities but are designed to steal personal information or money. They can occur online or offline. While many scams target younger individuals, seniors are particularly at risk due to their potential lack of familiarity with technology and online safety measures. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), reports of employment scams have risen sharply, with consumers losing millions of dollars each year.

Equipment Purchase Bounced Check Scam

Close-up view of disassembled computer equipment — First, you must purchase a computer from one of our preferred suppliers!

One of the most alarming scams targeting seniors is the equipment purchase bounced check scam. In this scheme, individuals are offered job opportunities that require them to purchase equipment for their new job, such as a computer or specialized tools. The scammer sends a check that appears legitimate for the equipment, but is ultimately counterfeit. The victim deposits this check and uses the funds to buy the equipment. However, when the bank discovers the check is fraudulent, the funds are withdrawn, leaving the victim responsible for the full cost of the equipment.

In 2022, the FTC recorded significant losses due to the bounced check scam. Awareness is crucial to preventing this type of fraud. Here are some prevention tips:

Research the Company: Ensure any potential employer is legitimate. Research the company name through multiple platforms, including Google and social media. Search for reviews on sites like Glassdoor, Indeed or the Better Business Bureau
Direct Communication: If you receive a job offer involving a check, contact the company directly using contact information from their official website—not the email address you received.
Verify the Job Posting: Check the company's official careers page to confirm that the job is listed there. Be careful if the job is not listed, or if the details do not match what you are expecting.
Protect your Personal Information: Do not give out personal details until you are sure that the job is legitimate, and you have signed a formal employment contract. They will eventually need sensitive information, such as your Social Security Number, but will not need that until after you are hired, before your first paycheck.

How to Spot Red Flags in Job Offers

Job offers that sound too good to be true often are. Here are common red flags to watch for:

Overly Generous Salary: If a job offer promises an unusually high salary for minimal work, treat it with skepticism. Research average salaries for similar roles in your area to gauge legitimacy.
Lack of Company Information: Legitimate employers will provide detailed information about the company, including its address, phone number, and website.
Immediate Job Offer: Be cautious if you're offered a job without an interview. Real employers typically interview candidates to assess their qualifications.
Request for Personal Information: Never provide sensitive information like your Social Security number or bank details before officially being hired.
Unprofessional Communication: Look out for poorly written job descriptions, typos, or generic emails from non-corporate accounts, such as Gmail or Yahoo. Genuine companies take care to communicate professionally.
Requests for Money: Legitimate employers never ask you to pay to get a job.
Pressure to Act Fast: Scammers often push victims to make quick decisions so they do not have time to think. Take a step back if things are going too quickly.

High angle view of a modern office space — Is that job too good to be true?

Red Flags Found Online and Offline

While many scams are prevalent online, they can also occur offline. Recognizing both types can help seniors and their families stay informed.

Online Scams:

Phishing for Personal Information: Job postings on social media forums, with job seekers required to submit sensitive information (like your Social Security number, bank details, or ID) early in the process, supposedly for payroll or background checks.
Impersonation of Real Companies: Fake email accounts looking similar to real company addresses but with slight variations.
Suspicious Links or Attachments in Email Correspondence: These may contain malware or lead to phishing sites.

Offline Scams:

Job Placement Scams: Fake job fairs where scammers collect fees from applicants for "job placement" services that do not exist.
Upfront Payment Scams: Individuals posing as representatives offering home jobs (like stuffing envelopes) in exchange for initial costly materials or training, with the promise that the costs will be reimbursed (but they never are).

It's essential for seniors to stay vigilant, whether job hunting online or in person. Encourage them to involve their adult children in conversations about potential job opportunities to prevent falling victim to scams.

What to Do if You Have Been Scammed?

If you believe you’ve been targeted by an employment scam:

A. Stop All Communication with the scammer immediately.

B. Report the Scam to:

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov

The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov

The job board or website where you found the listing.

C. Contact Your Bank if you shared financial information or lost money.

D. Monitor Your Identity through credit monitoring services and freeze your credit if necessary.

The Importance of Communication

Open communication channels between seniors and their adult children are vital. Adult children should regularly check in with their parents about job hunting efforts and any suspicious offers. They can help verify information, research companies, and discuss any doubts. Fostering a supportive environment can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to scams.

Two people having a meeting in the conference room. — Welcome to the team!

Job hunting can be stressful, and scammers exploit that vulnerability. The rise of employment scams is concerning, but knowledge is power. Staying informed about typical scams and the warning signs can help seniors avoid costly pitfalls. Remember, it’s always better to be cautious. If a job offer seems suspicious, or appears too good to be true, take a step back, do your research, and consult with family members or trusted friends. Together, we can combat these scams and secure a safer future for our seniors.

Learn how you can protect yourself or your family by enrolling in the Complete Internet Security Basics and Phishing Awareness Course for Parents on TrainMyParent.com

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