Summer Job Scams Are on the Rise – Protect Yourself With These Expert Tips

Tread Carefully with Companies Who Want Too Much Information Too Quickly

There is a time and a place to give your employer your home address, social security number, and perhaps even your bank account information for direct deposit. But that time is not before you've had your first interview with the company, Levin emphasizes.

Likening it to a romance scam, Levin says, "They lull you into a sense of trust and come right at you."

He continues, "The first time you communicate with a prospective employer, you shouldn't be required to provide your social security number -- and certainly never your credit card information."

At some point, an employer will need your social security number to pay you, but not until after you've been hired.

Similarly, Levin says, "There's no reason an employer needs your credit or debit card information. Handing them your debit card information is like just handing somebody cash."

Be Careful With What You Email

When the time comes to share your social security number or direct deposit details, don't send this sensitive information via email or text.

"It's always better to tell employers that you don't provide personal identifying information over email or via text," Levin says.

If you are working fully remote, you can offer to call the HR or accounting department to provide them with the information they need. Otherwise, drop off the information in person.

Don't Accept Jobs You Haven't Applied For

If you receive a job offer when you haven't applied at a company, it's likely to be a scam designed to separate you from your personal information or cash.

"Don't accept jobs you didn't apply for," Levin says. "A recruiter might contact you to see if you're interested in a position, but that's normally once you've established yourself."

Call the HR Department to Verify the Job Listing

Even if you've seen a job listing on a reputable website, it's a good idea to verify it yourself before applying, Levin advises.

"It's very easy to clone a business website and make it look legitimate," Levin says. "That's what scammers do and they're very good at it."