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Attorney General Aaron D. Ford offers tips to avoid job scams

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LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford warns Nevadans to be on the lookout for fake job opportunities advertised online or on flyers as fraudsters take advantage of more people searching for work.

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Fake job postings can appear in many of the same places legitimate job openings are posted: online, in newspapers or on the TV or radio. However, the job posting may not be legitimate, and Nevadans should stay alert for the following red flags:

· Requiring a payment such as a fee for certification, training materials or their expenses for placing you with the company. Employers and employment firms should not ask for money in return for the promise of a job;

· Asking for your bank account or credit card information. As always, avoid providing your financial information to someone you do not know unless you are making a purchase from or a payment to a trusted source;

· Asking for personal details usually not included in most listings. Some postings are a phishing attempt for your personal information. Do not share anything you are uncomfortable including; and

· Including language that the position is “previously undisclosed” for government jobs. Information for all federal, state, city and county jobs is free and available on official websites.

Additionally, work-from-home scams offer the opportunity to do tasks at home and earn money. Oftentimes, these offers may include an up-front fee. These offers are sometimes an attempt to lure you into paying more money for “training” or “expert advice,” which will leave you with debt and not much else.

Before paying the fees, look for the following red flags:

· Offering high pay for minimal work;

· Asking you to accept money on behalf of the employer or someone else;

· Not requiring or recommending experience; and

· Asking for money to pay for a background check, membership, training or merchandise.

When looking for job placement with an unfamiliar company, conduct research through online search engines, the Better Business Bureau, and look for news articles that mention the company. Researching the company may indicate whether the company is offering a legitimate employment opportunity.

Don’t be afraid to ask specific questions about the company, including details about the position, pay structure and management.