Larry Wilson, MSW, LSW | Social Worker, Career Counselor
The post is advertising exactly what you’ve been looking for! An hourly job offering attractive wages and good benefits. The employer has a good reputation. Jobs are available now! All you have to do is sign up!
Beware: As with other great-sounding deals, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Misleading or scam lob listings show up regularly in Facebook help wanted groups and in FB feeds in general. Well-meaning people may share these posts with other people or boards, putting more people at risk.
What should you look out for in order to protect yourself?
First, ask yourself, why is this organization, with such attractive positions, that are normally very hard to get, advertising on local FB job boards in a down economy? Does it even make sense?
Second, is the Internet address (URL) from that company, or is it an unusual one, like GREATJOBS4U.BIZ (not a real example). Why would a well-known company use a method like this to hire people? This is a big red flag.
Third, if you click on the URL, look out for a landing screen that asks you to enter your email address or cell phone number. Don’t be surprised if the “employer’s” logo is missing and there is no mention of the jobs that were advertised.
If you encounter this, look for a link to terms and conditions and click on it. That will tell you what you are signing up for by providing your email or cell number.
Scammers use these ads to trick you into providing your information. By signing up, you are often agreeing to unlimited contact from marketing companies via text, phone or email. You also may be waiving your do not call list rights, and agreeing to binding arbitration if a dispute arises. These marketing companies may be trying to place you at a for profit college or trade school, for example.
Similar ads may also try to lure people with offers of affordable housing, rent assistance, or help accessing various benefits. Once you click through, it’s the same story: no actual housing, money or advice available, just a sign up.
If you want to be a good digital citizen, reply to group posts like these with a message that alerts others to what may happen if they sign up for the service. Suggest they read the terms and conditions first. Also, you may suggest to the group admin that they consider removing the post.