Published: August 21, 2023
Hey there, military spouse, we’ve got something to share with you that might be quite concerning if you’re job hunting. According to a recent report from the Federal Trade Commision (FTC), cybercriminals are targeting you.
Why? Because of your unique circumstances:
- Frequent relocations.
- The need for remote work.
- And the desire to contribute to your family’s finances.
These three things make you more susceptible to online scams which are more rampant than ever before. In 2022 alone, the FTC reported over 22,000 job-related scams with a total loss of 78 million dollars. (Yikes!)
These sneaky and skilled criminals exploit your vulnerabilities, offering fake job opportunities that promise flexibility and stability. And unfortunately, the trust within our community, the rise of telecommuting, and the financial pressure to get a flexible job further contribute to this targeting.
While we’re not the experts on digital safety, our friends at Aura certainly are. They’ve provided assistance to numerous individuals affected by fraudulent job offers and those seeking jobs who want to ensure a secure job search. We reached out to them to learn about the characteristics of these scams and how to safeguard ourselves.
Here’s what we learned.👇
Indicators of a hiring scam include:
- Requesting sensitive information right away, such as your social security number or a copy of your driver’s license.
- Contacting you through channels like text, WhatsApp, or unofficial domains like Gmail, Yahoo, and Hotmail.
- Failing to schedule a phone or video interview.
Protective measures you can take:
- Verify the company’s legitimacy by checking review platforms like Glassdoor.
- Confirm the company’s presence on LinkedIn and validate their employees’ profiles.
- Contact the company directly using their official website to confirm the legitimacy of the person who reached out to you.
- Never share sensitive personal data via text, email, or phone; recruiters won’t ask for such information over the phone.
- Regularly check your credit reports and bank statements for charges you don’t recognize.
- If you’re in the midst of a job search, consider seeking help from Aura. They’ll proactively monitor your personal information, accounts, and finances, detecting signs of identity theft, preventing fraud, and helping you resolve any issues, allowing you to focus on pursuing your dream job.
So, now you know. Navigating the world of online job hunting is common these days. And yeah, there are some risks out there, but we’re hoping these tips will help protect you and your family. Wishing you all the best in your job search, milspouse — just remember to keep an eye out for your safety!
Aura digital security helps keep you safe — both online and off. Blue Star Families members can enjoy up to 50% off Aura protection plans, which come with comprehensive identity theft protection, round-the-clock monitoring, alerts, and support. You can even try Aura for free with their two-week trial. Try it risk free!
Posted In: Perks