Scammers create and maintain fake postings on many reputable job boards, for monetary gain, including Handshake and even networking sites like LinkedIn. While every position that is posted to Handshake is vetted, sometimes fraudulent postings make it through.

Scammers may also directly contact you through email, text or phone call, soliciting to hire you for an open job position. Some will even go as far as stating that they represent an established company or pretend to be a well known individual. They may even reference the Career Center in some way to make them seem more legitimate.

Most often scams target you financially. They may do so directly by asking you to send money to the scammers such as through an online payment application or gift cards. Or they may do so indirectly by stealing your identity or banking information. This may all be done in the disguise of either you getting hired for the job or you performing tasks in the job.

What To Do If You Suspect a Scam or Have Been Scammed

• If you are unsure or believe something is fraudulent, email the Career Center.
• If you have already sent money, contact your bank or credit card company right away to close the account or dispute the charges.
• Call the local police using their non-emergency number and report the incident.
  • In Davis, the non-emergency number is 530-752-1727.
• File a cybercrime incident report with the FTC if it took place over the internet.

How To Identify Job Scams

There are many potential signs of a job scam. Here are some. Be wary if the job posting or email exhibits any of these signs:

• Email or contact to you that you were not expecting to receive.
• Gives a short timeline or puts a lot of pressure on you to respond.
• Asks for any money.
• Asks for you to make purchases on their behalf such as gift cards.
• Asks for sensitive personal information such as bank account.
• The person is out of town or on a business trip and not physically able to meet.
• Focuses on how much money you'll make. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Uses a generic email address such as @gmail.com or @yahoo.com. Check on the actual email address used in the from field or email address given as the reply to.
  • Scam job postings may circulate from @ucdavis.edu email addresses. Do not trust an individual just because they are using a UC Davis email address. *
• References their company but don't use an email address from their company's domain.
• Links to a fake or minimalist website.
• Lists a company without an established physical office.
• Has spelling errors or lacks a professional tone.
• References getting your contact information from your university or career center.

If a company is legitimate, it usually takes them a while to sort through applications and respond to you. Be wary of immediate responses to your applications.

* When evaluating an email message, don't rely on just trusting based on who sent it. For example if an email came from an address belonging to your organization, don't automatically assume it is legitimate. Email accounts may become compromised from a scam or phishing attack and end up being used to further scam or phish others within your organization.

Additional Resources

• 7 Ways to Safeguard Yourself From Job Phishing Scams
• Student Job and Internship Scams: Know the Red Flags
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) job scams webpage
  • One reported often is the fake check scam
• Look up companies with the Better Business Bureau

Sample Scam Emails

From: Student employment [hannahdrew202@*****.***]
Date: Fri, Sep 27, 2024 at 6:21 AM
Subject: WORK FROM HOME(STUDY AND WORK)

Here's an opportunity for both students and Alumni to work remotely as a Virtual Administrative Assistant and give DATA ENTRY support. If you are resourceful, organized and good with paperwork then you can make ($550) weekly wages. This flexible but formal position would only take at most two hours of your time daily, or even less, depending on your work-speed. No skills are required as you will be trained, but the job's flexibility lies in the fact that your duties are clear-cut and would take little of your time to be executed daily. For more information about the position kindly get back to me with your active phone number and email to: drmcalistermatthews59@*****.***

From: C********** F** [c***n@ucdavis.edu]
Date: Tue, Sep 24, 2024 at 1:43 PM
Subject: NEED A JOB?

Dear Esteemed Students of University Of California,Davis

We are thrilled to inform you about the latest internship openings offered by the Office of Job Placement and Student Services. Our aim is to extend financial support to students facing economic challenges, all while providing them with invaluable research exposure. These internships are accessible for remote work, with a maximum commitment of seven hours per week and adaptable schedules that can be managed from your residence or on-campus. Selected students will receive a compensation of $350 per week.

This remote internship opportunity is open to students from all departments within our institution, and the tasks can be seamlessly completed from the comfort of your own home. However, it's important to note that the number of available positions is limited, and selection will be done on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are keen on this opportunity, kindly reach out to Professor Matt Bishop via text at +1 (929) 641-**** When requesting more details about the job requirements and application process, please include your full name, email address, department, and current year of study.

We strongly advise submitting your application promptly, as the available slots are limited. We eagerly anticipate your response and extend our best wishes for success in your academic pursuits.

Best Regards.
C/O Professor Matt Bishop
Title: Professor of Computer Science,University Of California,Davis

From: C********** M*** P***** [c*****e@ucdavis.edu]
Date: Mon, Sep 23, 2024, 1:30 PM
Subject: The Office of Human Resources Management: UC DAVIS Job Opportunity 2024

Greetings,

Are you in need of a virtual student position that is on campus?
Student Affairs is hiring students to work as a Virtual Student Assistant in the upcoming months. You can also work from anywhere of your choice, serving as a financial aid to cover any extra expenses incurred on campus.

Your Responsibilities Would Encompass:
• Strategically organizing and scheduling day-to-day activities, along with coordinating travel logistics.
• Showcasing a keen eye for detail and ensuring comprehensive note-taking.
Eligibility Criteria:
• Current Student and Staff or Final Year
• Knowledge of office management systems and procedures
• MS Office and English proficiency
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills
• Up-to-date with the latest office gadgets and applications
• Ability to multitask and prioritize daily workload
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Discretion and confidentiality
Further Details:
• Time Commitment: The job offers flexible work schedules, requiring a commitment of 2-3 hours daily.
• Compensation: A weekly wage of $411.60.
• Employment Start Date: Monday, September 23, 2024

To apply, Be sure to visit the link below.

Apply Here

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
At UC Davis, we're solving life's most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don't just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

Because we want you to be seen, our recruiting process at UC Davis fosters authenticity, diversity, and inclusion. Studies have shown that some people may not apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Each unique role at UC Davis has a set of requirements and you could be perfect for this role, or you could be perfect for the next role! Don’t meet all the requirements? We still encourage you to apply! #YouBelongHere

From: J*** Y*** [j*****g@ucdavis.edu] (alt: N S G [n**************a@ucdavis.edu]) Date: Sun, Sep 22, 2024 at 11:23 AM
Subject: Job Opening On Campus!! (alt: Research Assistant Position)

Students to work as research assistants are desperately needed.
The Team will employ interns at University Of California,Davis (from their homes), paying them $350 a week in exchange for their abilities.
This post is open to all College students from any department, and work can be done online.
Due to a limited number of seats, applications will be reviewed in the order they are received.
Text Professor Matt Bishop at 914 304-**** with your full name, email address, and year of study to continue the application process and learn more about the position's requirements.
Sincere regards.
Professor Matt Bishop ;
Professor In the Computer Science department .
University Of California,Davis.

From: UC Davis Job Fair [privatecailynhenderson@*****.***]
Date: Sun, Aug 18, 2024 at 6:11 PM
Subject: UC Davis Part Time Hire

The University of California Davis is currently hiring students to work remotely as research assistants and get paid $350 weekly.
The position is available to students from any department of the institution.
tasks will be carried out remotely and at leisure times, materials needed will be provided by the department.

To proceed with the application process submit your full name, year of study, functional phone number and major via this email address to receive the job description and further information or text Prof. Charlotte Biltekoff (706) 819 **** stating your full name,major and year of study to receive the job description and further instructions via text message.

Warm regards,

Name Kelly Subramanian
Assistant Project Scientist
Department MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOLOGY

Copyright © The Regents of the University of California, Davis campus. All rights reserved.

From: Administrative Assistant Consultant [trujillostacey1@*****.***]
Date: Tue, Jun 25, 2024 at 6:22 AM
Subject: PART-TIME HIRE!

The University of California, Davis Student Job and Intern Service, offered to the UC Davis community and managed by the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment currently needs the service students to work as administrative assistants and get paid $450 weekly.
The position is available to students from any department of the institution. tasks will be carried out remotely and at leisure times, materials needed will be provided by the department.

To proceed with the application process, submit your full name, year of study, functional phone number and major via this email address to receive the job description.

Warm regards,

Prof. Kenneth Lam
VM: POPULATION HLTH & REPROD

Copyright © The Regents of the University of California, Davis campus. All rights reserved.

From: J A D [*******@ucdavis.edu]
Date: Mon, Jun 24, 2024 at 7:01 PM
Subject: PART-TIME ADMIN/ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITY!!

Some DEPTS are currently hiring individuals who can assist some of their visiting professors by providing basic admin duties remotely.

The successful candidate will Liaise with staff, other departments, and/or external organizations concerning matters regarding assigned work as well as coordinating with the Director.

Weekly Salary:
$400 ( $350 +$50 for miscellaneous including tax)

For More Information;
Get in touch with Prof Soloman { solomanbanabas306@*****.*** } with your PERSONAL email address For Consideration,

Sincerely,
Solomon Barnabas
solomanbanabas306@*****.***
(737) 283-****

From: Ellis, Bridget [brellis@**.**********.***]
Sent: Saturday, June 22, 2024 1:53 PM
Subject: REMOTE INTERN POSITION

Dear Students at University of California,Davis.

The business department is currently seeking the assistance of dedicated and computer-savvy students (both graduate and undergraduate) for a remote position as research assistants. In this role, you will have the opening to contribute to ongoing research initiatives and attain three hundred and fifty dollar weekly.

Details of the position:
Role: Research Assistant
Compensation: Three hundred and fifty dollar Weekly
Requirements: Computer proficiency
Availability: Restricted slots; approval on a first-come, first-served basis

Interested candidates should contact Professor Matt Bishop via text at 732803**** concerning the job description and further application requirements.
Kindly provide the following information:
Full Alias
School Email Address
Department

Kindly note that the available slots are restricted, and we will be accepting applications on a first-come, first-served basis.

Best Wishes,
University of California,Davis.

From: [bpd1@*********.***]
Date: Thu, Apr 11, 2024 at 3:28 PM
Subject: REMOTE INTERNSHIP POSITION.

FROM THE OFFICE OF JOB PLACEMENT AND STUDENT SERVICES - UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS

In reference to the above subject

University Of California, Davis will hire undergraduate students this week as Interns for a remote position.

This position aims to help struggling students cover expenses incurred here on campus. Tasks can be carried out at leisure, taking at most 1 hour per day, 7 hours a week with a weekly pay of $400 as compensation for services rendered.

It is a Flexible Opportunity where you will determine your working time. Since this is a "Remote" Position, tasks can be carried out from home or on campus. Interested students, Kindly Contact Professor Brian Trainor via email at brctrainor@*****.*** stating your full name, email, alternative email, department, and year of study regarding the job description and further application requirements

Please Note: Slots are Limited and Consideration will be given on a first come first serve basis.

Best regards.

From: Dr. Taylor Cullen [shawluke3003@*****.***]
Sent: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 11:16 PM
Subject: Temporary Personal Assistant Job Offer

Hi Staff / Student

I'm Dr. Taylor Cullen, I feel comfortable discussing this WORK- STUDY opening with you since you were referred by the university chamber of commerce . I am very busy, that is why i have asked for your help as my temporary personal assistant. I provide individual and group therapy, coaching, assessment and many University students with academic difficulties and no prior diagnosis are seen and assessed through the academic screening and assessment process.

You have received this email because you have an offer from the University Office to help students with Disabilities to work with me while we help students with disabilities frustrated with ignorance and lack of services but as my temporary personal assistant

This is a very simple employment, You will only help me mail letters, Make payments at retail stores and purchase some items when needed. This employment only takes an hour a day and 3 times a week for $450 weekly. I am unable to meetup for an interview because I am currently away and helping the disabled students in Australia.

You will be paid for all task and purchases to be done on my behalf and some of my personal letters and mails will be forwarded to your residence or nearby post office for you to pick up at your convenience, Upon my arrival we will discuss the possibility of making this a long-term employment if i am impressed with your services while i am away. My arrival is scheduled 25TH of MAY 2024.

Please email your Full name, Residential Address to receive packages, Alternative email (different from school email) and phone number to email below :-

Dr. Taylor Cullen :- Feel free to contact me directly to my email cullentaylor380@*****.***

Clinical Counsellor Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES)

You are required to fill the below details
Full Name :
Full Address :
City :
State :
Zip Code :
Age :
Mobile Phone Number :
Google chat email :
Alternative Email (different from school email) :
Await to read from you soon

NOTE: Check your mail once you reply so we can proceed further.

Warmest Regards
Dr. Taylor Cullen