Episode 109: Avoiding Job Scams

Looking for a new job? In our latest episode of Making Cents of Money, Kwabena Sarfo Adjei - one of Andrea’s colleagues at the University of Illinois Student Money Management Center – discusses how scammers target people searching for a job and how you can avoid becoming a victim. Show Notes University of Illinois System Student Money Management Center blog article supplementing this episode: Adjei, K. S. (2025, February 25). Job search due diligence in the U.S. – Avoiding job scams. SMMC News & Events Blog. University of Illinois System. https://blogs.uofi.uillinois.edu/view/7550/1086755488 • Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). Job scams explained. Consumer.gov. Overview of how job scams work, common tactics scammers use, and ways to protect yourself when job hunting. https://consumer.gov/scams-identity-theft/job-scams-explained • Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). Job scams. Consumer.ftc.gov. Detailed examples of job scams and what to do if you encounter one, including red flags and reporting resources. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams#examples • Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). If you were scammed. Consumer.gov. Step-by-step instructions on what to do if you’ve been scammed, how to report it, and how to start recovering. https://consumer.gov/scams • Federal Bureau of Investigation. (n.d.). Common frauds and scams. FBI.gov. A broad overview of scams reported to the FBI, including employment scams, with advice on prevention and reporting. https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams • Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. (n.d.). License lookup. IDFPR. A tool for verifying whether a job recruiter, employment agency, or financial services professional is properly licensed in the state of Illinois — helpful for confirming the legitimacy of job offers or financial opportunities. https://idfpr.illinois.gov/checklicense.html • Palmquist, K. (2025, January 28). 17 common job scams and how to protect yourself. Indeed Career Guide. A practical guide listing 17 types of job scams with tips on how to identify them and avoid falling victim. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/job-scams • U.S. General Services Administration. (n.d.). Learn where to report a scam. USA.gov. Official government guide on where and how to report various types of scams, including job scams, at the federal and local levels. https://www.usa.gov/where-report-scams