Many Grossmont students recently got an email warning about job hiring scams from the college’s career center.
In this case, scammers were targeting students via text messages or emails claiming to be recruiters from a company and proposing remote jobs with flexible schedules and relatively high salaries that falsely entice students to give up their personal information.
While there are scams everywhere, Student Service Specialist Garrett Peregud said students may be “more vulnerable” and get attracted easily.
Scammers’ strategies are often the same: First, they send text messages claiming to work for a company. Then, they present the requirements and range of pay and give directions to follow. Sometimes, this may involve calling or texting another phone number or applying through an external link.
“I receive these messages quite often, about once or twice a month,” said Liz Zarati, a sociology major student at Grossmont.
When asked how to recognize a scam from an actual potential employer, Peregud said: “There are many; for example, an employer will not contact you by text with an iCloud mail address. If an employer is seeking to offer a job, he may certainly reach out through a professional email or a student email address.”
It may be helpful to check the email address or phone number. Scammers often use iCloud addresses or temporary phone numbers in messages.
Scam job descriptions are generally simple and vague. Recruiters may also pressure you to move forward with the application as soon as possible, pay a fee, attend training or make other payments.
Before taking any action, students should verify the recruiter and their company. Let’s not forget their main objective is to steal personal information such as name, age, address, driver’s license and credit card information to sell or use as their own.
“I read the first two lines, and then I deleted it right away,” Zarati added.
Peregud said Handshake, the job-searching platform, may also be the number-one platform to trust when hiring in the future, as it is verified and scam-free.
In case of doubt, students can reach out to the Career Center at [email protected] or 619-644-7614 for more support and guidance.
