A Safe Job Search

Just got this useful message from Monster.com, I repost here For Your Awareness (FYA):

Monster makes protecting job seekers a top priority. We'd like to remind you of what you can do to help keep yourself safe during a job search. 

Know What to Avoid
Some employment scams appear as job postings or classifieds while others may target victims through unsolicited email. Below are the most common scams: 

Money-Laundering Scams
Money launderers offer "jobs" with commissions or pay as high as $2000 per day to process checks on behalf of foreign nationals. They recruit local citizens to "process payments" or "transfer funds," because as foreign nationals, they can't do it themselves. Learn more about money laundering scams here.» 

Reshipping Scams
Reshipping scams typically require job seekers to receive packages of stolen goods-frequently consumer electronics-and then forward the packages, often outside the United States. Those who fall for reshipping scams may be liable for shipping charges and even the cost of goods purchased online with stolen credit cards. Read more about reshipping scams here.» 

Pre-pay/Work at Home Scams
Although there are genuine jobs working at home, many "offers" are not valid forms of employment and have the simple goal of getting victims to make an initial "investment." Find out more about avoiding these scams.» 

Protect Yourself 
What seems like a lucrative job offer could cost you your savings and more. Learn to identify the signals of an employment scam to protect yourself. A few simple steps and a little bit of information can keep your job search safe and effective! Learn more by visiting Monster's Security Center. 

If you see a questionable job posting or suspect misuse of the Monster website, please report the suspected fraud to Monster. 

If you think you have been a victim of fraud, immediately report the fraud to your local police and contact Monster, so steps can be taken to ensure your safety. We also recommend that you file an online report with The Internet Crime Complaint Center, a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center. More information on how to conduct a safe job search is available through the Federal Trade Commission's website. You can also check out LooksTooGoodToBeTrue.com.

Further reading:
Should I provide my social security number when I apply job online?

Should I provide my social security number when I apply job online?

The answer is NO.

First, I'm not sure my social security number is safe on their site. Is it a legitimate web site?

Second, it's not make sense. Any one asks his or her date the social security on first date? From application to interview and from interview to the job offer is a long and tough process. Hiring manager will interview about 1% job applicants and will extend job offer to 1 or 2 candidates among people they interviewed. I will provide my social security number only I accept the job offer and start fill out W-4 Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate and I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification forms.

Provide social security number, driver license, your home address and birth date are not guarantee you get the interview. However, you have more risks.

Thus, I follow the advise from others to enter the phrase 'Available upon job offer' or '000-00-0000' on the online application. If the validation rule is not allow me to bypass the social security number, I will not bother to apply and file a complaint to FTC. Why hiring company or recruiter talk about job requirement, experience, skills, salary, benefit, and company culture first?

Congress should make a law to prohibit company collect the social security number on job application.

Good luck with your job search.

More info:

• http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100317150012AAsb8v3
• http://humanresources.about.com/b/2012/02/06/you-want-my-social-security-number.htm 
• http://www.soyouwanna.com/apply-jobs-online-social-security-number-required-6540.html
• https://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs25-JobSeekerPriv.htm/

Monster

Just logged in to Monster.com to delete my resume and deactive all job search agents. Feel good.