**Consumer Alert** CFO Jimmy Patronis: Beware of Employment Scams Preying on Tampa Job Seekers
9/12/2019
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— With a recent report of dozens of Tampa job seekers deceived in a LinkedIn and Indeed job scam, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is warning Floridians to be on alert for employment scams intended to steal your personal and financial information.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “Scam artists are working every day to develop creative ways to defraud the citizens of Florida. It is especially alarming when fraudsters target job seekers looking to find employment. While websites like LinkedIn and Indeed can be helpful tools, always verify the company and the job you are applying for are legitimate. Never give your personal information over the phone and if you are working with a job placement service, make sure to get details in writing.”
4 Tips to Avoid Employment Scams
1. Don’t give out your personal information. When responding to a job advertisement online or over the phone, never give out your personal information. A legitimate business will not ask you for credit card or banking information as a condition of your application for a job.
2. Verify the company is legitimate. Scammers advertise jobs using the same services legitimate employers do. Always verify that the company and job you are applying for is legitimate and beware of imposter scams made to look like a well-established business.
3. Get details in writing. Many job placement services are legitimate but make sure your recruiter provides a complete contract for their services with an outline of services and costs.
4. Beware of paying for employment. Scam artists may say that you are hired and the job is waiting, but you must pay a fee for certification, training materials, or their expenses for placing you with a company. Ask the company to verify these details in person and/or in writing.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “Scam artists are working every day to develop creative ways to defraud the citizens of Florida. It is especially alarming when fraudsters target job seekers looking to find employment. While websites like LinkedIn and Indeed can be helpful tools, always verify the company and the job you are applying for are legitimate. Never give your personal information over the phone and if you are working with a job placement service, make sure to get details in writing.”
4 Tips to Avoid Employment Scams
1. Don’t give out your personal information. When responding to a job advertisement online or over the phone, never give out your personal information. A legitimate business will not ask you for credit card or banking information as a condition of your application for a job.
2. Verify the company is legitimate. Scammers advertise jobs using the same services legitimate employers do. Always verify that the company and job you are applying for is legitimate and beware of imposter scams made to look like a well-established business.
3. Get details in writing. Many job placement services are legitimate but make sure your recruiter provides a complete contract for their services with an outline of services and costs.
4. Beware of paying for employment. Scam artists may say that you are hired and the job is waiting, but you must pay a fee for certification, training materials, or their expenses for placing you with a company. Ask the company to verify these details in person and/or in writing.
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About CFO Jimmy Patronis
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and X (@FLDFS).