A new Better Business Bureau study finds employment scams are on the rise in the West Michigan job market created by the COVID-19 Pandemic. And, experts say with federal unemployment benefits now over for Michiganders-- the issue could get worse.
“In West Michigan and around the country, job scams are on the rise.”
Troy Baker is the Educational Foundation Director for the Better Business Bureau Serving Western Michigan. He says job scams are generally one of the top scams annually as well as the riskiest for consumers. And he says its continuing into 2021 especially in lieu of the pandemic.
“The pandemic brought about a lot of job changes, now with un employment changing, people are out, what we are finding is that scammers are trying to take advantage of that changing landscape of employment and putting people at risk.”
There are a number of different types of employment scams. A Grand Rapids woman almost fell victim to an employment scam turned check scam but found others had been tricked on the BBB’s scam tracker. The BBB warns job seekers to verify employment offers to avoid illegal jobs, identify theft and fake checks to which millions are exposed annually. Baker says you have to stay vigilant.
“Do something to verify that yes, this really is an employer. Don’t just take their word for it when they email you or send you a text message, or you see it on social media. Check out the business at BBB.org, make sure it’s a business that you want to work for and that the business really is on the up and up.”
Baker adds if you do happen to get scammed, don’t hold on to the information. You can report it at BBB.org/scamtracker, you can call the attorney general’s office or local law enforcement.
Baker says this new study provides an in-depth look at the many forms of employment fraud. You can see that complete study at BBB.org.
