As Graduation Nears, AG Mayes Sounds Alarm on Rising Employment Scams in Arizona

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued a warning on Thursday about a surge in employment scams aimed at job seekers in the state. Scammers are increasingly using fraudulent job listings and spamming job seekers with unsolicited messages.

These scams often aim to steal personal information, including birth dates, Social Security numbers, and bank account details. Mayes highlighted that scammers might create fictitious job postings or reach out directly under the guise of a recruiter offering non-existent positions.

The Federal Trade Commission noted that reports of employment scams have nearly tripled since 2020, with victims losing $501 million last year alone. Unscrupulous individuals are capitalizing on economic uncertainty by masquerading as fake employers.

Fake job listings often appear on legitimate sites like LinkedIn and Indeed. Scammers may also impersonate real companies using their logos. Typical promises include high salaries with minimal experience or flexible work-from-home arrangements.

Mayes cautioned that job seekers should be skeptical of offers that “look too good to be true.” He stated, “Identity thieves and scam artists may take advantage of your earnest efforts to find gainful employment.”

To avoid falling victim, the Attorney General’s Office suggests that job seekers research employers thoroughly before sharing personal details. Be cautious of unsolicited job offers, particularly from those posing as placement companies or offering vague information about job roles. The FTC advises that if you receive unexpected communications about a job you didn’t apply for, it is likely a scam.

Additionally, the FTC warns against job advertisements promising wealthy returns for minimal work, particularly those that involve shipping packages purchased with stolen credit cards. Such schemes often requie individuals to repackage and forward items, putting them at risk of financial loss.

Fraudsters also use fake ads to attract applicants for roles like nannies, caregivers, and virtual assistants. These individuals often attempt to extract personal information or ask victims to deposit checks and forward funds, which ultimately bounce, leaving the victim liable for the amount.

Before starting any job, Mayes recommends requesting a face-to-face interview with potential employers and asking detailed questions regarding the job, management, and pay. Legitimate employers will never demand any upfront payments or request that you cash a check and send a portion elsewhere. Be sure to verify a job’s legitimacy before disclosing any direct deposit information.