Thousands of Central Ohioans are out of work and desperate for employment, which makes them vulnerable to con artists.
People across the nation are on the hunt for jobs. Often one of the first places that many people turn to is the Internet.
Looking for a job online means that you can search from the convenience of your own home, find potential employers quickly and post a resume within seconds.
But using the Internet to find a job can have its downfalls, too, leaving many vulnerable and at risk to fall victim to an Internet scam.
Bob Sulllivan covers Internet scams and consumer fraud for msnbc.com and offers some tips to avoid becoming another statistic:
Never pay up front for the privilege of working.
"If somebody asks you for money before they've paid you, that's a huge red flag there," says Sullivan.
An unexpected private communication from a potential employer is likely a red flag.
If possible, when searching, avoid giving personal information such as Social Security numbers.
And remember this: If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
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