Don't Get Caught by a Job Scam

Scammers know students are job hunting, and every recruiting season they send fake offers to steal money or personal information. Most follow predictable patterns, so once you know the signs, they are easy to spot. If a message, company, or offer ever feels off, the Center for Career Development is happy to look at it with you before you respond.

Warning Signs

Sloppy writing. Awkward phrasing, odd capitalization, and spelling errors. Real employers communicate professionally.

Sender details that do not add up. Check the actual email address, not the display name. Free personal accounts or domains that do not match the company website are red flags.

An employer you cannot verify. No real website, LinkedIn, or credible description. Watch for names that are almost, but not quite, a real company.

Sensitive information requested too soon. Your SSN, date of birth, banking details, and ID come after a formal hire, through a secure system or in person, never by email or text early on. Never share your WVU Login credentials.

Money moving through you. Be very suspicious of any job that asks you to deposit a check and send part back, buy gift cards and share codes, or purchase equipment for later reimbursement.

Pay that does not match the work. A big salary for a few easy hours is a lure. Compare offers using the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (bls.gov/ooh) or salary.com.

A job you never really applied for. Be skeptical of surprise offers, chat-only interviews with no call or video, and recruiters who push you onto personal email or messaging apps.

Pressure to act fast. Urgency like "respond today or lose the offer" is meant to stop you from verifying. A real opportunity will still be there tomorrow.

Protect Yourself

Keep your search on trusted platforms. Postings on Handshake and through the Center for Career Development are vetted.

Verify before you act. Look up the company yourself and confirm through its official contacts, not the links or numbers in a suspicious message.

Guard your information. Do not share your home address, date of birth, SSN, or banking details by email, text, or phone. Hover over links before clicking and avoid attachments from unknown senders.

Trust your instincts. If it seems too good to be true, ask before you respond.