The management of SeniorJobBank.org, a Job-Hunt Sponsor, informed us of a new fake job scam - the International Mailing Service Supervisor job posting. The scammers are after Social Security Numbers, as usual, although this time through the job seeker's driver's license.

More on Avoiding Scams: Job Search Scam Avoidance Guide Home Scam/Phish Proof Quiz Quiz Solution Dangerous Assumptions Job Search Scam Self-Defense Sniff Test 9 Characteristics of a Job Scam Driver's License Job Scam Reshipper & Payment Job Rep Scams Understanding IP's and Domains More Information: Using Craigslist to Find a Job Choosing a Job Site Dirty Dozen Online Job Search Mistakes How to Protect Your Privacy

Since we spoke with SeniorJobBank, we've been informed that other major job sites have experienced this same scam, and have done what SeniorJobBank did - removed the fake posting. But, watch out - variations on this theme will probably appear everywhere. If you have been taken in by this, or a similar scam, contact the job site immediately with as many details as possible and also, in the U.S., file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission online, or call 1-877-FTC-HELP.

This Scam:

• A legitimate-appearing job description for an "International Mailing Services Supervisor" (or something similar) is posted on a job site.
  
  These days, the good job sites screen employer job postings to be sure that the jobs are real. Unfortunately, no screening process is perfect. This posting certainly appears to be the posting for a real job, and it probably was copied from a real job description posted somewhere. There's even a link to an Arkansas Better Business Bureau profile of a company with a confusingly similar name (just one letter off). So, SeniorJobBank accepted the "job" posting.
  
  
• One of the job requirements is driving a car or truck to make deliveries.
  
  The second of the 7 "functions" of this job includes this statement - "pick up and deliver materials from post office and service centers, as required." Assuming that those facilities are not within walking distance of the job site, an employee performing these functions would need a driver's license.
  
  
• Job applicants are asked to fax a copy of their driver's license to the "employer" as proof of qualification.
  
  Obviously, they hope that your driver's license uses your Social Security Number. Putting your SSN together with your resume gives them everything they need to steal your identity.

In the incident reported by SJB, the applicant's driver's license did not contain his SSN, so the scammers responded with a form requesting other detailed financial information, including the SSN. The job seeker became suspicious and contacted the SeniorJobBank people, fortunately, before responding.

BOTTOM LINE:

You need to be a savvy consumer of job search site services to protect yourself, and, unfortunately, you need always to be on your guard against scams. Even the best job sites, run by very consciencious people, can be fooled - at least once - by a sophisticated scammer.

For More Information:

• The RileyGuide's Scams and Schemes section
• Pam Dixon and the World Privacy Forum

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About the author...

Online job search expert Susan P. Joyce has been observing the online job search world and teaching online job search skills since 1995. Susan is a two-time layoff "graduate" who has worked in human resources at Harvard University and in a compensation consulting firm. In 1998, her company, NETability, Inc. purchased Job-Hunt.org, and Susan has been editor and publisher of Job-Hunt since then. Follow Susan on Twitter at @jobhuntorg.

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