I recently joined a few email administrator discussion groups on LinkedIn.  I was surpirsed to see how many administrators are currently in a job search.  Although you may already know how to identify email phishing scams, it’s easy to get so caught up in the pressure which may derail our focus.

With the global economic meltdown, millions of people are out of work.  The stress is enormous. Marriages are dissolving, because  love jumps out the back window when money stops coming through the front door.  CNN even reports that many failed marrages can’t be completely dissolved, because couples can’t even afford to go their separate ways.  Tensions escalate as some couples are forced to stay together because they can’t sell property.  This is very fertile ground for email spam phishing scams to reap huge profits.

The phishing sharks are circling the rough water of a highly competitive job market. This volatile emotional climate sets the  stage for people to make very irrational decisions. People in a job search are vulnerable and easy prey for phishing scams. Bank accounts are being emptied due to people allowing their emotions to override making practical business decisions.    It’s  easy for anyone to get lathered up with email scams promising a job opportunity or making fast cash working at home in, but a cool head and common sense must prevail. I can  personally attest there are legitimate work at home opportunities.  When I’m not providing technology support to email clients, I provide business career coaching services.  My wife also runs a very successful Internet eComerce business.

Job Search Phishing Scam Prevention

• Make appropriate adjustments to your spam phishing filters and make sure the most recent updates are in place.
  

• Legimate job search sites will never send email that asks for personal information. They will also NEVER ask you to update your account via email with a link requesting you to login.

• Using your computer mouse feather over links in an email. This allows you to verify the actual web site link.

• When posting a resume online, take your time in creating a balance in disclosure vs. security. Use sites, like Careerbuilder and Monster, that allow suppressing personal information.

• Use a complex password that includes letters, numbers and special characters.

• Use multiple passwords on multiple job sites.

• Don’t send your password to anyone in an email.  You are the only person who should know your password.

Don’t send any money for job search services until you perform due diligence.  Many phishing emails present themselves as authentic services that will get you up and running with a new job quickly, but ask for a deposit up front. The Riley Guide provides many job search resources that are thoroughly verified by the owner of the this web site.  Consider using this guide as a reference.  Also consider global organizations, such as Empowering Today’s Professionals Network, that have a successful record in helping people land jobs without any up front fees. Use LinkedIn to verify companies. There is also a career management toolbar you can install to quickly obtain business intelligence on companies.

Email job offers from unknown sources should be viewed as a phishing scam until you confirm its legitimacy.  As the famous Murphy’s Law states “if it looks too good to be true, it usually is”.  Gathering business intelligence heightens our use of common sense. This keeps emotions in check and money in your bank account.