BBB Warns: Fake Job Offer is Really a Phishing Scam

These emails appear to be recruiting you for a new job opportunity, but they are really a way to harvest your password.

How the Scam Works:

You receive an email that seems to come from a human resources professional recruiting you for a position at his/her company. The email seems very professional, with a company logo, signature block and reply email address. According to the message, the HR representative found your resume on LinkedIn and would like you to take a look at the job description. To view this info, just click a link to a Google Doc.

Don’t do it! Scammers are using Google Drive to hide a phishing scam. They create a folder inside a Google Drive account, mark it as public and upload a phishing program. When you click on the link, it looks like you are being prompted to log into your Google account. However, it’s really a phishing con meant to grab your email and password.

How to Spot This Scam:

Be wary of unexpected emails that contain links or attachments. As always, do not click on links or open files in unfamiliar emails.

Don’t believe what you see. Just because an email looks real, doesn’t mean it is. Scammers can fake anything from a company logo to the sent email address.

Check the company’s website. Businesses typically post job information on their websites, not on Google Drive.

Be cautious of generic emails. Scammers try to cast a wide net by including little or no specific information in their fake emails. Always be wary of messages that seem overly general. If a recruiter was really emailing you, he/she should have your name and job title.

For More Information:

To find out more about other scams, check out BBB Scam Stopper (bbb.org/scam). To learn more about this phishing scam, read this alert from LinkedIn.

For companies you can trust, please visit bbb.org/atlanta.