Fraudulent employment and internship opportunities are everywhere. Unfortunately, college students are a big target, as they are often under considerable financial pressure to find work. This is especially true for those who are:
- Young and inexperienced
- International and undocumented students
- Non-native English-speakers
- Returnees to the workforce
With recent advances in technology, such as AI/ChatGPT and improved Virtual Private Networks, scammers are better equipped than ever, and some of the old markers of a scam opportunity are becoming less relevant. They may still apply, but an opportunity may have none of these markers and still be a scam.
In addition, scammers may be found all over the world, including the United States, and across all demographics.
View the essential information below and the resources on this page to learn how to spot potential scams, how to prevent yourself from being scammed, and what to do if you believe someone has scammed you.
One of the best ways to avoid being scammed is to know what to look for. Get familiar with the common signs so you can quickly identify a potentially fraudulent opportunity.
As you job search, you may come across opportunities that have signs of being a scam. If you think something might be a scam, know what to do before you apply or engage with them further.
If you think you’ve been scammed the most important think to do is to take immediate action.
- Act quickly. This can help to lessen the damage.
- Completely break off contact with the scammer: Block phone numbers, email addresses, and social media accounts and report them to their respective service providers.
- Forward any written correspondence and electronic records (e.g., phone logs) to Rutgers IT (abuse@rutgers.edu).
- Get your electronic devices—laptop, tablet, phone, etc.—checked for spyware or malware.
- Contact Rutgers police and file a report. A police report is usually required by financial institutions as documentation that fraud took place.
- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC.gov). It investigates large-scale fraud, and you are likely one of thousands.
