CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It’s not a new concept, scammers targeting people desperate for work, but experts say “bad guys” are now finding new ways to create fake job postings.
In a time where people are asking where’s the money, the Better Business Bureau is warning people to double and even triple-check the sites they are applying to so they don’t become the next victim.
WCNC Charlotte is always asking "where's the money?" If you need help, reach out to WCNC Charlotte by emailing money@wcnc.com.
"Jobs scams actually tend to be our most experienced scams every year top 10 scams, we see them every year consistently in there and they are getting more complex," Julianna O’Rork with the Better Business Bureau said.
O’Rork said before applying for any job online, do your homework.
"So first and foremost, look up the company, look up the individual that may be posted the job, or if there's somebody specific that reached out to you," O’Rork said.
O’Rork said there’s actually one simple trick potential job seekers can use to quickly sniff out a scam.
“When you're looking at that company, or that person's name, at scam to the end of that search that you're going to go ahead and put in. and that way you can see if there have been any scams tied to that company, maybe tied to that person," O’Rork said.
And with more people searching for work-from-home jobs? O’Rork said you’re a prime target for scammers.
"Work-from-home job scams are definitely very prevalent. and, of course, you know, the way that our society and our world has changed working from home as much more accepted than it ever has been in the past," O’Rork said.
And as more people become familiar with AI, O’Rork said people need to closely inspect any photo or video they come across online.
"If you notice any weird sounds or glitches in the videos or the audio recording, if some of the imagery and the videos don't look quite right. they could be representative of stuff that's been created by AI," O’Rork explained.
In the end? O’Rork said follow your instincts.
"Trust your gut, it's probably too good to be true, if they, you know, aren't requiring a lot of history and a job, but they're paying an excessive amount, again, red flag," she said.
WCNC Charlotte's Where's The Money series is all about leveling the playing field in the Carolinas by helping others and breaking down barriers. WCNC Charlotte doesn't want our viewers to be taken advantage of, so we’re here to help. Watch previous stories where we ask the question “Where’s the Money” in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.