BALTIMORE — Many job seekers are encountering hurdles in their employment searches. Rather than securing genuine positions, some are becoming victims of elaborate scams. Just as candidates customize their resumes for various roles, scammers have now begun to modify their tactics to specifically target certain individuals and industries.
This was not just an ordinary email or a generic job listing. Eamonn Carr received a job offer after he included his contact details in the Maryland Film Office directory.
“If you provide your name, information, and resume, you’re essentially featured in a directory that assistant directors or producers can access when they need additional help on a project,” Carr explained.
As a fresh college graduate, Carr was eager to find work in production. When someone pretending to be filmmaker Jamie Buckner offered him a role, he was intrigued.
“They proposed hiring me as a production assistant with a payment of $1,500, which is significantly higher than what is typically offered for such positions,” Carr noted.
Curious about the opportunity, he provided his name, address, and phone number as requested.
“They later sent a long list of lighting equipment they wanted me to purchase, claiming they’d pay me upfront and guide me through the buying process, which made me realize that this wasn’t legitimate,” Carr recounted.
The scammer even suggested meeting at a local restaurant. Instead of agreeing to the meeting, Carr reached out to a trusted individual—his mother, Nancy, who works with AARP, helping to alert others about scams.
“I shared screenshots of some of the emails I received and asked her if it seemed like a scam, and she confirmed that it did,” Carr said.
“I want everyone in my circle to have positive experiences, so I hesitated to be negative about it, but it didn’t take long for me to recognize that this wasn’t real,” said Nancy Carr, the Associate State Director for Communications at AARP Maryland.
Job scams are on the rise, with reports totaling 75,364 in the first half of this year alone. The Federal Trade Commission reported a median loss of $2,100 among victims.
READ MORE: Job seeker shares how scams don’t just target applicants — they try to use them as accomplices
“Many people have been furloughed, and the job market is incredibly competitive. As the holidays approach, a lot of individuals are searching for gigs, whether for temporary positions or to tide them over,” Nancy Carr remarked.
Nancy offers this crucial advice: take a moment to pause and think critically. Avoid acting too hastily. Consider whether the job offer and associated pay seem realistic.
Conduct a search for the company or hiring manager’s name alongside the terms “scam” or “complaint.” This is how Eamonn uncovered warnings about the scam he encountered.
“You naturally want the opportunity to be real. You must critically reflect on it and discuss it with others. Ask if they have had any experiences with the company or the type of work being offered,” Nancy Carr suggested.
Remember: no legitimate employer will send you a check, request that you deposit it, and then instruct you to buy equipment or refund money. If the check bounces, you’ll be left responsible for the bank charges.
READ MORE: “Almost Got Snookered”: Writer exposes check scam targeting freelancers, side hustlers
For more details, click here for guidance from the FTC on recognizing and avoiding job scams.
