Craigslist is a very helpful tool to connect people with goods and services. I myself have used Craigslist many times in the past. I found a job many years ago on Craigslist and I worked there for several years. And as a former Human Resources administrator, I have also used Craigslist to post jobs for prospective employees. But recently, it has been brought to my attention that there are some shady goings on regarding the popular website in terms of employment ads.
The guise is simple really. The ad states that they are hiring for a position X-Y-Z. It gives a full description of the position. It asks that you email a cover letter and resume to them in order for it to be reviewed.
Within 24 to 48 hours, the prospect receives an email thanking them for submitting their application. The email also states that they have had problems in the past with past employees and to prevent this, you have to submit to a credit check. It then gives the prospect a credit check link in which to submit their information which costs money. You submit the info and BAM. They have all of your credentials which they try to use for their own gain.
Do not fall for the banana in the tailpipe readers!
When looking for a job, read the description carefully. If the job sounds too good to be true or has a high per hour rate listed than normal, it probably isn’t real. Also, most employers have an email address dedicated to receiving emails from prospects. If there is a “Craigslist” email and not a company email address, it could be a scammer.
Never give your information over the Internet to a possible employer. If an employer is indeed hiring, you will receive information about coming in for an interview or possibly speaking on the phone. The first step is never to complete information for a credit check. That is something that is usually handled later in the interviewing process, and usually will come with paperwork of an explanation for the credit check, a disclaimer if you will, that you sign.
Do not supply any information over the Internet in terms of your social security number, date of birth, etc.
Most major companies have accounts with leading job sites such as Career Builder, Monster, Hot Jobs, etc. Smaller companies like to use Craigslist because there is no fee, but because of that, the risk may outweigh the gain.
If you do see a suspect post, report to Craigslist immediately so that they flag the post and others do not fall victim.
If you are currently looking for a job, I wish you much success and luck! be smart and be careful with your job search.
wowww ! i never have though of this.. i go on craigslist daily looking for new jobs.. i will definetly be careful thanks for the tips!
honestly people are so messed up. everyone is looking for a job these days for a sense of security and these fools go and cause extra stress like this. thanks for the tips!
All I can think about is that stupid woman who hired a babysitter on Craigslist and the guy had her toddler in child pornography! I understand Craigslist is "neutral" but if I were actually hiring for anything I'd steer clear of hiring from Craigslist. I just can't get that out of my head. Poor little girl and stupid, stupid woman.