Wisconsin BBB warns of surging job scams, shares tips to avoid falling victim

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Job scam reports have seen a troubling uptick in 2023, with the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker noting a whopping 250% increase from the previous year nationwide.

The surge has been attributed largely to a rise in fraudulent remote work opportunities, as scammers aim to exploit those seeking jobs amid the ongoing pandemic.

Jim Temmer, President of the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau, joined us on Monday, June 5 to discuss the problem and ways to counter them.

Job fraud has proven particularly prevalent among individuals aged 18-34, and multiple platforms, including Indeed, LinkedIn and Telegram, have been implicated as the initial point of contact with fraudsters. Scammers have reportedly been using these platforms to launch what is known as "reshipping scams," where unsuspecting job seekers are deceived into buying and shipping expensive electronics under false pretenses.

The BBB urges job seekers to diligently research companies offering job opportunities, verify the authenticity of job offers by reaching out directly to the businesses and exercise caution when providing personal information to unverified recruiters and online applications. Individuals are also warned not to pay for job opportunities.

To report a business or register a complaint, job seekers are advised to visit BBB.org.