How to Spot a Fake Job Offer or HR Scam

Recently, there has been a surge in hiring scams where fraudulent employers use fake job listings to trick job seekers into providing personal information or paying a fee. These scams can take various forms, from fake job listings on legitimate job search websites to phishing emails posing as legitimate employers. To protect yourself from falling victim to these scams, it's important to be aware of the red flags that indicate a job may be a scam.

1. Look out for job listings with grammatical errors and poor formatting. Legitimate job listings are usually well-written and professionally presented.
2. Be suspicious of job offers that ask you to install specific software on your computer or device.
3. If you are contacted by someone stating they are a company representative, ask them to send you an email from their business email (@hawaiiantel or @altafiber) to confirm they are in fact a company representative. 
4. Be wary of interviewers or hiring managers who communicate only via text message or social media messaging.
5. Be cautious of interviewers that ask you for any personal information such as your social security number, bank account, birthdate, or physical address before you’ve been offered and accepted the position.
6. Be skeptical of job offers that guarantee you a high salary or benefits without any qualifications or experience required.

 It's essential to always be vigilant when searching for a job. Make sure to research the company and the job offer on the company’s official website before applying. Use a search engine for a quick background search to see if there have been any reports of scams or fraud associated with the person who contacted you. Look for their social media accounts to see if they are a legitimate hiring manager. Online resources such as the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission's website are available to help you check out the company's reputation.

Scammers can be very convincing and it's important to protect yourself by being aware of the signs of a scam and taking steps to protect your personal information and finances. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is, and it's better to be safe than sorry.