The Elkhart Police Department warns citizens about employment scams and provides tips for keeping yourself safe as you job hunt.

In one scam, job seekers receive a text or email about a potential job opening. If the job seeker shows interest, the “employer” offers them the position (often without an interview) and sends instructions on depositing a check for their new position. The job seeker is told to use part of the check to buy gift cards, and is told they can keep the rest of the check. After the check is deposited and the gift cards bought, the job seeker learns that the check was fake-then they are out of a job and the money.

In a second scam from our area, a job seeker received communication about a job offer and was told to buy equipment to send to the “employer” so the “employer” could install company software (for which the job seeker was going to be reimbursed). By the time the job seeker learned it was a scam, they were already out the money they had spent on the equipment.

As you job hunt, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

Do Research: Before accepting a job, research the company (even if the job was posted on a reputable board). Make sure they have a legitimate website with real contacts.

Look for Red Flags: Are there errors or typos in your job offer? Does it sound too good to be true (they hire you without an interview or offer to pay you before you start)?

Do NOT Send Money or Equipment: A legitimate business won’t ask you to deposit a check and buy gift cards or buy equipment and send it to them.

Do NOT Provide Personal Information: Do not provide personal info, like your driver’s license, bank account information, or social security number to “employers” who email or text you about a “job” offer

If you have been the victim of a scam, please contact your local law enforcement jurisdiction to report it (the Elkhart Police Department can be contacted at 574-295-7070).