BBB warns of rise in job scams

The Better Business Bureau is warning job seekers to be on the lookout for an increase in scams targeting them.

The nonprofit watchdog BBB's nationwide scam tracker received reported losses from job scams of nearly $840,000 in the first three months of the year. That's up 250% from the same time period in 2022, according to a news release.

"With a median loss of over $1,500 during that timeframe, job hunters tell BBB the financial impact is devastating," officials said in the release.

Job fraud is the most common scam type for those ages 18-34, officials say.

Reports include reshipping scams, where fraudsters hire people to ship items, and car wrapping, when a victim is convinced to put temporary ads on their vehicle, according to the release. In both cases, fraudsters use fake checks to perpetrate the fraud schemes.

BBB officials say red flags for job scams include jobs that require you to pay money; remote jobs involving checks; cold calls about jobs; higher-than-average pay; and interviews that are done strictly over email.