What Is Jobfishing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAs mentioned above, jobfishing refers to a specific type of income fraud that involves duping unsuspecting victims into thinking they are starting a new job. The criminals induce jobseekers to provide their personal information under the guise of filling out human resources forms and setting up direct deposit for their paycheck. The types of fraud that are perpetrated in jobfishing scams can include:<\/p>\n\n\n
- Identity Theft.<\/strong> Using social security numbers, driver\u2019s license numbers and other personal information gathered as part of the \u201chiring\u201d process, scammers can open credit cards, bank accounts, and apply for loans.<\/li>
- Fake Checks.<\/strong> In this scam, the non-existent company will send you a check to deposit, and then request that you purchase gift cards for them using a guise to keep you off-guard. For example, one scammer requested gift cards to help colleagues take time off due to COVID. \u00a0<\/li>
- Unwitting Accomplice.<\/strong> Many unsuspecting victims of jobfishing are lured into committing fraud themselves as part of their \u201cnew\u201d job. These include participating in reshipping frauds, mailing fake checks, or being used as money mules.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/staticblog.virtualvocations.com\/2022\/08\/VirtualVocations_WebinarSlides_JobfishingScamsintheModernMarket-png-1024x576.webp\")
<\/picture><\/a>Watch a Free Webinar \u2014 Jobfishing Scams In The Modern Market: How To Avoid Getting Professionally Catfished<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nAre You a Target for Jobfishing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDo you think that this swindle is a matter of no concern because you are young and tech-savvy? Then you might want to reconsider. According to the BBB\u2019s 2020 report on job scams, the most common victims of income fraud are between the ages of 25-34. Another commonality between the victims is need. Most victims really need the job. This desperation can cause you to overlook red flags and take risks that you might not otherwise. So, you may be particularly vulnerable to jobfishing if you are:<\/p>\n\n\n
- Unemployed or underemployed.<\/strong><\/li>
- Recently terminated or laid off.<\/strong><\/li>
- Have limited resources.<\/strong><\/li>
- Are driven to start a new career.<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Examples of Jobfishing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhile the above groups are more likely to be targeted, anyone can fall victim to these sophisticated cons. Don\u2019t be overconfident about your ability to identify scams, because it\u2019s harder than you think to identify a fraud. With the increase in online job ads, virtual hiring processes, remote jobs, and 100% virtual companies, it is getting more and more difficult to tell the real from the fake. Below are a few recently reported examples of jobfishing:<\/p>\n\n\n
- Madbird<\/strong>. Perhaps the most complex example involves a BBC\u00a0investigation<\/a>\u00a0into the fake London design agency called \u201cMadbird.\u201d This intricate fraud involved the fictitious company hiring more than 50 people to work remotely as designers, salespeople and managers. Victims from several different countries worked for up to six months before realizing it was a scam. Spending savings and going into debt, victims waited for a paycheck that never arrived.<\/li>
- Groovy USA, LLC<\/strong>. The BBB received more than six reports<\/a> regarding a Connecticut company called \u201cGroovy USA\u201d from individuals across several states. Victims describe being approached for a work from home opportunity that they later found out did not exist. After being hired and re-shipping packages for a month, the work stopped when the first paycheck was due.<\/li>
- Obsidian Entertainment<\/strong>. Another jobfishing scam was reported in Long Island<\/a>, NY where a woman applied for a job at a company calling itself Obsidian Entertainment. After text and phone interviews, she was offered the job making $55 an hour and received a fake check for $8,000 for work from home equipment. Luckily, the ruse was discovered before losing any money, however, the woman did have to close bank accounts because of the information she had already disclosed.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n
![\"Learn](\"https:\/\/staticblog.virtualvocations.com\/2021\/01\/RemoteJobScams_12StrategiesforSpottingFakeWAHJobs-1024x436.png\")
<\/picture><\/a>Remote Job Scams: 12 Strategies for Spotting Fake WAH Jobs<\/a><\/strong>
<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHow to Identify Jobfishing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTo give you a head start on jobfishers and other types of remote job scams, below are the top three red flags to be alert for when searching for and responding to remote job ads:<\/p>\n\n\n
- If the job seems too good to be true<\/strong>, it probably is. In the words of Andrew Smith, Director of the FTC\u2019s Bureau of Consumer Protection<\/a>. \u201cIf someone promises you guaranteed income, but then tells you to pay them, tell the FTC right away so we can work to shut them down.\u201d<\/li>
- Watch out for work from home jobs that involve potentially shady activities<\/strong> such as requests to receive and forward money, receive and reship packages, or deposit a check into your account for payment to a third party. These are all likely illegal.<\/li>
- It\u2019s a bad sign if you find bad grammar<\/strong> and other inconsistencies in the information you are provided, including website content, emails, and other communications. It\u2019s also a red flag if email addresses\u00a0don\u2019t match the company\u2019s domain name. Be careful with individuals using an \u201c@gmail.com\u201d address as a business email.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
How to Protect Yourself from Jobfishing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n- Confirm<\/strong> job details<\/strong> by locating the job posting on the company website. Confirm the company\u2019s contact details by calling the business and using Google maps to double check addresses.<\/li>
- Search<\/strong> for the company profile<\/strong> and other employees on LinkedIn. If you don\u2019t find anything, that\u2019s suspicious. If you do, reach out to see if you can get information about the company.<\/li>
- Check<\/strong> the business at\u00a0BBB.org<\/a>\u00a0to see if they are listed and what reports may have been filed against them.\u00a0<\/li>
- Do an internet search<\/strong>\u00a0with the name of the employer and the word \u201cscam.\u201d This should reveal reports involving online job scams.<\/li>
- Create a separate email address<\/strong> for your job search unconnected to your other online accounts. This can protect your personal email and other online accounts.<\/li>
- Consider setting up a second bank account<\/strong>\u00a0or using a financial intermediary like PayPal to receive payments from remote employers.<\/li>
- Be cautious in providing personal information<\/strong>\u00a0under any circumstances. Don\u2019t include information such as your full address and\u00a0birthdate on your resume or online profiles. More importantly, don\u2019t provide your driver\u2019s license, social security number, or financial information without carefully vetting and verifying the company first.<\/li>
- Secure your tech<\/strong> by installing a good security system that monitors malware, viruses, and spyware. Also, consider signing up for virtual private network or VPN for extra privacy when searching for jobs online.<\/li>
- Do not respond to calls<\/strong>, text messages or emails from unknown numbers or suspicious addresses. Also, do not click links in text messages or emails from anyone that you do not recognize. Even when receiving messages from a friend, evaluate the link before clicking in case they have been hacked.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/staticblog.virtualvocations.com\/2020\/07\/HowtoSpotaRemoteWorkScam26WhattoDoIfYou27veFallenVictimtoOne-1024x436.png\")
<\/picture><\/a>Click Here to Find More Tips on Spotting a Remote Work Scam<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nLooking for a Shortcut?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe best shortcut to finding legitimate remote jobs is to sign up for a Virtual Vocations membership<\/a>. The professionals at Virtual Vocations thoroughly research and vet all the companies and job postings in our database. In addition, we partner with many reputable employers to help them find the right remote employees. Virtual Vocations also does not post any jobs that are only fee or commission based. So, if you\u2019re looking for a worry-free platform to search for your next fully remote position, a Virtual Vocations membership is your best bet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\nHave you ever encountered jobfishing? What advice could you give to remote jobseekers?<\/em> <\/strong>Connect with Virtual Vocations on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0LinkedIn<\/a>,\u00a0Instagram<\/a>, and\u00a0YouTube<\/a>\u00a0to share your thoughts and tips. We\u2019d love to hear from you!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/staticblog.virtualvocations.com\/2013\/03\/VVlogo.jpg\")
<\/picture>
Join Virtual Vocations<\/strong>
<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tJoining\u00a0Virtual Vocations<\/a>\u00a0grants you access to our hand-picked remote jobs database.\u00a0Learn\u00a0how our service works<\/a>, browse job leads by\u00a0location and career category<\/a>, or search hundreds of hand-screened remote jobs to find legitimate work-at-home job leads that match your skills and background.\u00a0Register for free<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0contact us<\/a>\u00a0for more information on our service guarantee.
Check out our menu of\u00a0Career Services\u00a0provided by our team of certified professionals, including resume and career coaching services for remote jobseekers. Resume assessments and writing, LinkedIn profile enhancement, and cover letter writing are available to maximize the success of your remote job applications.\u00a0Discounts on all services available to subscription members,\u00a0become one now.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
- Identity Theft.<\/strong> Using social security numbers, driver\u2019s license numbers and other personal information gathered as part of the \u201chiring\u201d process, scammers can open credit cards, bank accounts, and apply for loans.<\/li>
- Fake Checks.<\/strong> In this scam, the non-existent company will send you a check to deposit, and then request that you purchase gift cards for them using a guise to keep you off-guard. For example, one scammer requested gift cards to help colleagues take time off due to COVID. \u00a0<\/li>
- Unwitting Accomplice.<\/strong> Many unsuspecting victims of jobfishing are lured into committing fraud themselves as part of their \u201cnew\u201d job. These include participating in reshipping frauds, mailing fake checks, or being used as money mules.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/picture><\/a>Watch a Free Webinar \u2014 Jobfishing Scams In The Modern Market: How To Avoid Getting Professionally Catfished<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n \n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nAre You a Target for Jobfishing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do you think that this swindle is a matter of no concern because you are young and tech-savvy? Then you might want to reconsider. According to the BBB\u2019s 2020 report on job scams, the most common victims of income fraud are between the ages of 25-34. Another commonality between the victims is need. Most victims really need the job. This desperation can cause you to overlook red flags and take risks that you might not otherwise. So, you may be particularly vulnerable to jobfishing if you are:<\/p>\n\n\n
- Unemployed or underemployed.<\/strong><\/li>
- Recently terminated or laid off.<\/strong><\/li>
- Have limited resources.<\/strong><\/li>
- Are driven to start a new career.<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nExamples of Jobfishing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While the above groups are more likely to be targeted, anyone can fall victim to these sophisticated cons. Don\u2019t be overconfident about your ability to identify scams, because it\u2019s harder than you think to identify a fraud. With the increase in online job ads, virtual hiring processes, remote jobs, and 100% virtual companies, it is getting more and more difficult to tell the real from the fake. Below are a few recently reported examples of jobfishing:<\/p>\n\n\n
- Madbird<\/strong>. Perhaps the most complex example involves a BBC\u00a0investigation<\/a>\u00a0into the fake London design agency called \u201cMadbird.\u201d This intricate fraud involved the fictitious company hiring more than 50 people to work remotely as designers, salespeople and managers. Victims from several different countries worked for up to six months before realizing it was a scam. Spending savings and going into debt, victims waited for a paycheck that never arrived.<\/li>
- Groovy USA, LLC<\/strong>. The BBB received more than six reports<\/a> regarding a Connecticut company called \u201cGroovy USA\u201d from individuals across several states. Victims describe being approached for a work from home opportunity that they later found out did not exist. After being hired and re-shipping packages for a month, the work stopped when the first paycheck was due.<\/li>
- Obsidian Entertainment<\/strong>. Another jobfishing scam was reported in Long Island<\/a>, NY where a woman applied for a job at a company calling itself Obsidian Entertainment. After text and phone interviews, she was offered the job making $55 an hour and received a fake check for $8,000 for work from home equipment. Luckily, the ruse was discovered before losing any money, however, the woman did have to close bank accounts because of the information she had already disclosed.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/picture><\/a>Remote Job Scams: 12 Strategies for Spotting Fake WAH Jobs<\/a><\/strong>
<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHow to Identify Jobfishing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To give you a head start on jobfishers and other types of remote job scams, below are the top three red flags to be alert for when searching for and responding to remote job ads:<\/p>\n\n\n
- If the job seems too good to be true<\/strong>, it probably is. In the words of Andrew Smith, Director of the FTC\u2019s Bureau of Consumer Protection<\/a>. \u201cIf someone promises you guaranteed income, but then tells you to pay them, tell the FTC right away so we can work to shut them down.\u201d<\/li>
- Watch out for work from home jobs that involve potentially shady activities<\/strong> such as requests to receive and forward money, receive and reship packages, or deposit a check into your account for payment to a third party. These are all likely illegal.<\/li>
- It\u2019s a bad sign if you find bad grammar<\/strong> and other inconsistencies in the information you are provided, including website content, emails, and other communications. It\u2019s also a red flag if email addresses\u00a0don\u2019t match the company\u2019s domain name. Be careful with individuals using an \u201c@gmail.com\u201d address as a business email.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nHow to Protect Yourself from Jobfishing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
- Confirm<\/strong> job details<\/strong> by locating the job posting on the company website. Confirm the company\u2019s contact details by calling the business and using Google maps to double check addresses.<\/li>
- Search<\/strong> for the company profile<\/strong> and other employees on LinkedIn. If you don\u2019t find anything, that\u2019s suspicious. If you do, reach out to see if you can get information about the company.<\/li>
- Check<\/strong> the business at\u00a0BBB.org<\/a>\u00a0to see if they are listed and what reports may have been filed against them.\u00a0<\/li>
- Do an internet search<\/strong>\u00a0with the name of the employer and the word \u201cscam.\u201d This should reveal reports involving online job scams.<\/li>
- Create a separate email address<\/strong> for your job search unconnected to your other online accounts. This can protect your personal email and other online accounts.<\/li>
- Consider setting up a second bank account<\/strong>\u00a0or using a financial intermediary like PayPal to receive payments from remote employers.<\/li>
- Be cautious in providing personal information<\/strong>\u00a0under any circumstances. Don\u2019t include information such as your full address and\u00a0birthdate on your resume or online profiles. More importantly, don\u2019t provide your driver\u2019s license, social security number, or financial information without carefully vetting and verifying the company first.<\/li>
- Secure your tech<\/strong> by installing a good security system that monitors malware, viruses, and spyware. Also, consider signing up for virtual private network or VPN for extra privacy when searching for jobs online.<\/li>
- Do not respond to calls<\/strong>, text messages or emails from unknown numbers or suspicious addresses. Also, do not click links in text messages or emails from anyone that you do not recognize. Even when receiving messages from a friend, evaluate the link before clicking in case they have been hacked.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/picture><\/a>Click Here to Find More Tips on Spotting a Remote Work Scam<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n \n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nLooking for a Shortcut?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The best shortcut to finding legitimate remote jobs is to sign up for a Virtual Vocations membership<\/a>. The professionals at Virtual Vocations thoroughly research and vet all the companies and job postings in our database. In addition, we partner with many reputable employers to help them find the right remote employees. Virtual Vocations also does not post any jobs that are only fee or commission based. So, if you\u2019re looking for a worry-free platform to search for your next fully remote position, a Virtual Vocations membership is your best bet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\nHave you ever encountered jobfishing? What advice could you give to remote jobseekers?<\/em> <\/strong>Connect with Virtual Vocations on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0LinkedIn<\/a>,\u00a0Instagram<\/a>, and\u00a0YouTube<\/a>\u00a0to share your thoughts and tips. We\u2019d love to hear from you!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/picture>
Join Virtual Vocations<\/strong>
<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tJoining\u00a0Virtual Vocations<\/a>\u00a0grants you access to our hand-picked remote jobs database.\u00a0Learn\u00a0how our service works<\/a>, browse job leads by\u00a0location and career category<\/a>, or search hundreds of hand-screened remote jobs to find legitimate work-at-home job leads that match your skills and background.\u00a0Register for free<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0contact us<\/a>\u00a0for more information on our service guarantee.
Check out our menu of\u00a0Career Services\u00a0provided by our team of certified professionals, including resume and career coaching services for remote jobseekers. Resume assessments and writing, LinkedIn profile enhancement, and cover letter writing are available to maximize the success of your remote job applications.\u00a0Discounts on all services available to subscription members,\u00a0become one now.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t - Search<\/strong> for the company profile<\/strong> and other employees on LinkedIn. If you don\u2019t find anything, that\u2019s suspicious. If you do, reach out to see if you can get information about the company.<\/li>
- Watch out for work from home jobs that involve potentially shady activities<\/strong> such as requests to receive and forward money, receive and reship packages, or deposit a check into your account for payment to a third party. These are all likely illegal.<\/li>
- Groovy USA, LLC<\/strong>. The BBB received more than six reports<\/a> regarding a Connecticut company called \u201cGroovy USA\u201d from individuals across several states. Victims describe being approached for a work from home opportunity that they later found out did not exist. After being hired and re-shipping packages for a month, the work stopped when the first paycheck was due.<\/li>
- Recently terminated or laid off.<\/strong><\/li>
- Fake Checks.<\/strong> In this scam, the non-existent company will send you a check to deposit, and then request that you purchase gift cards for them using a guise to keep you off-guard. For example, one scammer requested gift cards to help colleagues take time off due to COVID. \u00a0<\/li>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/staticblog.virtualvocations.com\/2022\/08\/VirtualVocations_WebinarSlides_JobfishingScamsintheModernMarket-png-1024x576.webp)
<\/picture><\/a>![\"Learn](\"https:\/\/staticblog.virtualvocations.com\/2021\/01\/RemoteJobScams_12StrategiesforSpottingFakeWAHJobs-1024x436.webp)
<\/picture><\/a>![\"How](\"https:\/\/staticblog.virtualvocations.com\/2020\/07\/HowtoSpotaRemoteWorkScam26WhattoDoIfYou27veFallenVictimtoOne-1024x436.webp)
<\/picture><\/a>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/staticblog.virtualvocations.com\/2013\/03\/VVlogo.webp\")
<\/picture>