Job Scams

Recognize Job Hiring Scams

• Personalized Approach: Scammers are using information like faculty names, campus landmarks, or recommendations from deans or professors to appear legitimate.
• Unsolicited Offers: Be wary of job offers for positions you did not apply for, especially if they promise high pay for minimal work.
• Request for Personal Information: Any request for your Social Security number, bank details, or personal identification before you've officially started a job should raise a red flag.
• Check Payments: Be cautious of any job that sends you a check and then requests you to send a portion of it elsewhere.

How to Stay Safe

• Verify the Recruiter: If a recruiter claims a connection to the university, verify their claim by contacting the mentioned faculty member directly.
• Examine Email Addresses: Legitimate recruiters typically use corporate email addresses. Be skeptical of personal email addresses or communications that don't match the company's official domain.
• Research the Company: Always contact the company through official channels to confirm the job offer. Do not rely on contact details provided by the recruiter.
• Report Suspicious Offers: If you encounter a scam, report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and contact University Police.

Additional Tips

• Trust Your Gut: If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is. Pay attention to spelling and grammar mistakes, as well as vague job descriptions.
• Use Official Channels: For SDSU students, legitimate job offers come through official university channels, like @sdsu email addresses, SDSU Handshake, or college/department mailing lists.
• Research and Ask Questions: Genuine companies will provide detailed job descriptions and have a clear hiring process. Do not hesitate to ask for more information about the job, and research the company thoroughly.

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