Using online resources to find a job? Be aware of fraudulent databases!

The Mesa County Workforce Center (MCWFC) recently discovered a fraudulent employer utilizing its Connecting Colorado database with the aim of scamming job seekers. This can happen on other platforms as well, the center warned. Searchers should be on alert and keep an eye out for red flags.

Fraudulent employers gain access to job search platforms by using a valid company name, website, phone number, federal ID number, etc. that makes them appear to be the actual company. When the employer account is approved, the scammer has access to hundreds of job seekers’ contact information.

What to watch out for

• The contact email address is not the employer’s website
• The email address includes a title such as Mr., Mrs. or Dr.
• The wage is too good to be true (for example, entry level jobs requiring no experience will not pay $20-plus per hour, and a big jump from training pay to post-training pay is suspicious)
• The employer insists on contact through text, Skype, chat room, Google Hangouts, etc.
• The employer requires a check, money order or some form of bank account information
• The email, job description, job title, company name, etc., contains bad grammar or misspellings
• The “employer” answers the phone informally, instead of with a professional greeting
• The voicemail message is personal, not for a company

If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t—take a closer look.

Never give out your personal information such as your Social Security Number, your bank account, your credit card number, etc.

If you are contacted by someone who claims to be from the MCWFC or Connecting Colorado but doesn’t sound legitimate, contact the workforce center at 248-7560, [email protected] or via its website, www.mcwfc.us.