2. Identity Theft How To Avoid Identity Theft When Job Searching Presented By: Mike Nicholas Identity Theft How To Avoid Identity Theft When Job Searching Presented By: Mike Nicholas

3. Types of Job Scams Most common job scams (2) Phishing Scam ID theft occurs when victims are emailed and told about potential jobs and/or making extra money. Victims are redirected to a website designed specifically for gathering personal information – job-like in a job application. Fake Employers on Legitimate Site They post a generic job that is very appealing to lots of people. Talk to applicants and convince them to submit personal info. Source: http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/111309-job-search-scams-protect- yourself.htmlhttp://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/111309-job-search-scams-protect- yourself.html

4. Example of Job Scams Earn $100 or $10K or more a month. Easy work from home. We are seeking individuals ready for a challenge. We paid you too much money. Wire the overage to a third party. (The initial check bounces…) Please take the time to complete the form on this other site. (Are you applying for a job – or filling out a form?) Please send us $49.95 for your job kit today! (Forms in the kit are actually free.) Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsearchscams/qt/scamexamples.htmhttp://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsearchscams/qt/scamexamples.htm

5. Tips To Protect Yourself Never share your bank account or SSN information up front. Once you are an employee – direct deposit. SSN only for tax purposes after you have accepted their offer. Never agree to a background check up front. Only if you are a finalist – SSN is needed for background check. Research potential employers. Check with the BBB and see if the business actually has a physical address. Consider sharing less information on your resume and/or on your website. Possibly only include an email address to get the discussion started. Opt out. This cuts down on spam from third party sites and receiving offers. Source: http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/111309-job-search-scams-protect- yourself.htmlhttp://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/111309-job-search-scams-protect- yourself.html

6. Robert Siciliano – Identity Theft Speaker Theft Expert discusses Internet Security and Job Scams. Source: http://www.IDTheftSecurity.com – Copyright 2009 - Fox Newshttp://www.IDTheftSecurity.com

7. Sniffing Out The Scam – Part 1 What is legitimate; what isn’t? Does the business have a physical address? Are you immediately uncomfortable? Paying cash or too much money? Should I see any red flags? Asked to disclose personal info. Feeling uncomfortable What can I disclose safely? Go with name and email address What shouldn’t I disclose? Perhaps go with phone number next. Keep background check info. until last. Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsearchprivacy/a/indentitytheft.htm http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsearchprivacy/a/indentitytheft.htm

8. Sniffing Out The Scam – Part 2 How can you protect yourself when posting information online? Scrub personal information – no Driver’s License Number, Social Security Number, and/or Date Of Birth What do I do if my identity has been stolen? Contact your local police department Place a fraud alert on your credit report immediately Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsearchprivacy/a/indentitytheft.htmhttp://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsearchprivacy/a/indentitytheft.htm

9. Stop! Look! Listen! What do you do when the phone rings? Pick it up and answer it. What do you do when the door bell rings? Go to the door and answer it. What should you do when posed with a potential job opportunity? Jump at it! You are a trusting soul. Whoa – back up the train…stop, look and listen. Then move cautiously. You can always provide more information But you can’t take information back! Scams look to gain your trust.

10. How To Avoid Identity Theft When Job Seeking Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cjayt1u16iE (Copyright: www.lynda.com - tutorial)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cjayt1u16iEwww.lynda.com

11. But Wait…There’s More! Question: What if I don’t have a phone or a phone number? How can employers contact me? Answer – Google VoiceGoogle Voice It’s free Connects to your Gmail account Calling groups with customization Text alert to phone or email Ability to ring multiple phones Voice Mail and Transcription services Google Voice Blog for updates and ideasBlog Source: http://www.google.com/googlevoice/about.htmlhttp://www.google.com/googlevoice/about.html

12. Summary – Protecting Yourself Guard your social security number as well as your DOB. Never provide financial information (bank account number). Don’t supply direct deposit information before being hired. Use caution when filling in online forms. Create separate email accounts (free Gmail accounts are best): Personal (for family and friends) Job Seeking (for potential employers) Junk (for sign-ups and registrations) Be attentive when applying for jobs online. Fully research the potential employer. Source: http://idtheft.about.com/od/theftmethods/a/EmploymentScams.htmhttp://idtheft.about.com/od/theftmethods/a/EmploymentScams.htm

13. Summary – Resources For You Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.org)http://www.bbb.org Snopes Urban Legends (http://www.snopes.com)http://www.snopes.com MSP ID Theft Resources (www.michigan.gov/identity-theft)www.michigan.gov/identity-theft Michigan AG – ID Theft Information For Consumers (http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,4534,7-164-17337_20942- 230557--,00.html)http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,4534,7-164-17337_20942- 230557--,00.html Michigan Legal Aid – ID Theft Resources (http://www.michiganlegalaid.org/library_client/resource.2005- 05-29.1117417906674/html_view)http://www.michiganlegalaid.org/library_client/resource.2005- 05-29.1117417906674/html_view Federal Trade Commission – ID Theft Website (http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft)http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft

14. Questions? Contact Information: Mike Nicholas – Davenport University 6191 Kraft Avenue SE – Grand Rapids Phone: 616.554.4717 Email: mnicholas@davenport.eduQuestions? Contact Information: Mike Nicholas – Davenport University 6191 Kraft Avenue SE – Grand Rapids Phone: 616.554.4717 Email: mnicholas@davenport.edu