College students desperate to pay tuition and bills are frequent targets of con-men because their lack of experience and enthusiasm to work often blinds them before they learn the true intentions of fraudulent employers.

Many people do not know about employment schemes where a live person confronts a potential “employee” and offers them a dream job promising to pay sums that would cover all the financial needs of college life.

These swindlers have no problem meeting with the victim and can set up face to face meetings to discuss the potential job. Frequently these fraudulent employers will lay out the job scenario with precise care and details; good enough to initially fool the enthusiastic person. An application is filled out and an upfront monetary deposit may be required. The meeting may end with a promise to call back with a set schedule, additional details to job-sites and whatever else the con-man might have promised.

A week goes by without hearing a single word from the “employer”, enthusiasm turns to doubt as the time passes and by the time the victim realizes what has happened, it’s too late. The phony has just taken the monetary deposit, and worse, all the personal information required for the application including address, telephone number, Social Security number, and drivers’ license number.

In frustration the victim churns the events over and over in their mind contemplating every single word and action that occurred throughout their experience with the con-man. Grudgingly the person finally admits they were scammed. How can one prevent becoming a victim of fraud?

First and foremost, remember the saying; “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”

Con-men often thrive because the fictional story presented to the victim elaborates upon aiding in financial security. Promises of high-paying jobs with little experience or knowledge needed prior is a primary indicator of illegitimacy.

Swindlers often run/mange their own business. So if approached by one who claims to own their own business, ask for a business license number; every legitimate business in California MUST have a business license number that will be recorded within either the city or state office.

Do some research on the described business, ask for a website, office address, phone number, names of current employees, anything that can pinpoint and prove it to be a legitimate business. Contrast the information given to several sources in order to confirm legitimacy.

Be very careful about what information you present to the “employer”. It is well known that even legitimate businesses require a Social Security number for taxes. However, this little loop-hole can be exactly what con-men exploit. Upfront monetary deposits may not even be what they are after (though some are). With a Social Security number, bank accounts and so much more may be compromised easily.

Watch and carefully examine body language and pay close attention to the story described. Use your own intuition to examine the events and details that are presented. Take time to reflect on all the events and don’t let enthusiasm blind the reality of the situation.

If a con-man does get a hold of your private information, you can quickly counter his malign intentions in a few ways. File a police report. By doing so, you have legally documented that your personal information has been or may be compromised.

Call one of the three major credit companies: Experian, TransUnion or Equifax and place a fraud alert on your credit. This makes it very difficult for swindlers to open lines of credit in your name.

Know what to look for in fraudulent employers, learn to trust your intuition and obtain some basic steps to counter job fraud so you can significantly reduce your chances of being scammed by hustlers.