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FROM INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES: How to spot fake work-at-home job offers

Package and check received by Southwest student after responding to suspicious work-at-home email offer.

Package and check received by Southwest student after responding to suspicious work-at-home email offer.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, scams have emerged as millions of Americans grapple with job insecurity and loss.

The scams are fake work-at-home job offers that have left some Americans’ bank accounts drained of what funds they had left in the wake of the pandemic.

Southwest Information Technology Services recently quarantined an email that was sent to students under the guise of Navios Corporation out of New York. In it, the scammers promise “easy money” and “work from home”. Once the unsuspecting student clicks the link and enters their name and address, the scammers mail a check to purchase equipment to set up their home office. The check will not yield the funds. This is a fake offer and could potentially provide thieves unfettered access to your bank account.

A Southwest student clicked on the link, entered his information and received an $1,800 check in the mail in a wary looking envelope with no instructions. Thankfully, the student’s parent intercepted the suspicious communication and alerted Southwest officials. “I don’t want anyone else to become a victim of this fraud,” the parent said.

The Federal Trade Commission has a webpage dedicated to helping consumers spot fake offers and avoid being scammed. Check out the valuable tips online. You also may download the pdf  to your phone or other device in case you receive suspicious offers in the future.

Chief Information Officer Michael Boyd advises: “A good rule of thumb:  If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.”

For more information on avoiding online scams, see the resources below.

Consumer Resources

Federal Trade Commission: “Work-at-Home Businesses”
ZipRecruiter Blog
The Balance Careers: “7 Ways to Protect Yourself From Work-at-Home Scams”