Protect yourself from job scams
What is a job scam?
Job scams target people looking for work. Scammers trick you into revealing your banking details (so they can set up your pay cheques), or collect other personal information, like your Social Insurance Number (SIN). They can also trick targets into sending them money, claiming that it’s an application fee.
The jobs these scams offer can look really appealing on the surface – promising things like high income for low effort, limited working hours, no experience or references required, etc.
How job scams work
A scammer posts a fake job ad
You find a fake job opportunity on an online job platform, like Indeed, Craigslist, or LinkedIn. Some scams also use spam emails to send out the job ad.
The job is too good to be true
The ad promises high income for doing very little and it’s almost always a work-from-home opportunity. Simply replying to the ad is often enough for them to offer you the job – there’s no application or formal interview.
Your new “employer” needs your personal or payment information
Some job scams ask for your bank account information so that they can launder money through your account. Alternatively, a scam may ask for a payment – an application fee, or payment for tools you need for the fake job (training materials, special software, etc.).
Watch out for: Two of the most common job scams involve working as a “mystery shopper” or receiving and re-shipping packages from your home.
How to protect yourself from job scams
- Do not respond to job ads that don’t contain a job description, or any valid contact information.
- Be very wary of promises of guaranteed high income for low effort. Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
- Don’t accept employment online unless you’ve done your research on the employer, consulted with people you trust, and you have the job offer and description in writing.
- Never send your banking details, personal information, PIN, or passcode to someone you don’t know and trust.
Remember: If an employer asks you to cash a cheque on their behalf, transfer money to them, buy gift cards or cryptocurrency, or re-ship packages they have sent to you, you are most likely the target of a scam.
How to report a job scam
If you think that a job scam has compromised your banking or personal information, report the incident to Meridian by calling 1-866-592-2226.
Helpful resources