Digital Works makes protecting its job seekers a top priority. It has working relationships with more than 60 corporate employers and provides its trainees and graduates placement services with these respectable and well-known organizations. Digital Works also offers one-on-one guidance and mentorship from a facility or virtual program instructor. Digital Works reminds job seekers to always work with a Digital Works facilitator when applying to job opportunities. Below are some additional safety tips during a job search.
Paying for an opportunity to work is a red flag. There are instances when fees may be an exception, such as a background check. However, these exceptions are typically specific to independent contract work and should be less than $100. When working through a freelance network, be sure to submit all proposals, invoices, and receive pay through network verified platforms. Do not exchange money directly with an individual or client.
When in doubt, research! As in any job search, it remains incumbent upon the individual to qualify prospective employers. A simple Google search can help determine if a specific job opportunity or company name is not legit.
Some employment scams appear as job postings or classifieds while others may target victims through unsolicited e-mail. Here are three of the most common:
•Money-Laundering Scams: Money launderers offer “jobs” with commissions or pay as high as $2000 per day to process checks on behalf of foreign nationals. They recruit local citizens to “process payments” or “transfer funds,” because as foreign nationals, they can’t do it themselves. Monster.com offers additional information on these types of scams here.
•Reshipping Scams: Reshipping scams typically require job seekers to receive packages of stolen goods—frequently consumer electronics—and then forward the packages to addresses often outside the United States. Individuals caught in reshipping scams may be liable for shipping charges and even the cost of goods purchased online with stolen credit cards.
•Pre-pay/Work at Home Scams: There are thousands of genuine jobs working from home, and Digital Works has built relationships with national, reputable companies offering this type of flexible, modern employment. However, there are work-at-home “offers” that are not valid forms of employment and have the simple goal of getting victims to make an initial “investment.” As stated above, if a job opportunity is asking for a substantial amount of money upfront, it is a key indicator of a scam.
More information on how to conduct a safe job search is available through the Federal Trade Commission’s website.