While you’re looking for your next job, scammers could be looking for their next victim. There are fraudulent offers out there involving illegal jobs or ones designed to facilitate identity theft or fake check schemes.

Be careful during your job search and watch for these warning signs:

• You’re offered a job without an interview. Scammers might say they’re out of town, too busy, or have another excuse for not talking to you by phone or in person.
  
  
• You get a check before you start a job. The person “hiring you” might say it’s your first paycheck and to use the money to buy supplies. But later they’ll tell you to send part of the money to someone else or return it to them. They’ll have excuses, but the main thing to know is that the check is fake. By the time the bank realizes it, the scammer has your money (if you sent it), and the bank will want you to repay the money you withdrew.
  
  
• You’re contacted through non-company email domains and teleconference applications. For example, an actual IBM recruiter would contact you using a company email such as johndoe@ibm.com, as opposed to johndoeibm@gmail.com.
  
  
• You’re required to purchase start-up equipment from the company, such as is the case of work-from-home job scams, or are asked to pay a non-refundable registration fee.
  
  
• You’re required to provide your bank account information or Social Security number BEFORE you start working.

To avoid being scammed, check out potential employers thoroughly before giving them any sensitive information. Search online for their name, email address, phone number, and even the text of the message they sent. You might find that others have had bad experiences and been scammed by the same people in a similar way. It’s also a good idea to check on the business with the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.

		Question: I’ve always used a mouse, but many of my friends swear by touchpads. What are the advantages of each? Answer: A mouse is significantly better for people who work from a static location and have a large flat surface available. This is because using a mouse gives you incredible precision, which allows you to work more quickly and productively on your computer with a higher level of accuracy. In addition, using a mouse rather than a touchpad can be better for your well-being by keeping your shoulders, neck, and forearm more relaxed. However, people who travel a lot for work or like to move their laptop from room to room at home will probably be happier with a touchpad. That way, you don’t have to carry a mouse around with you all the time and can more easily use a laptop from an airport chair or your living room sofa. Even if you prefer using a mouse, it’s a good idea to get familiar with your touchpad so you can still use your laptop should your mouse quit working.

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		Gift cards are popular holiday presents. Unfortunately, scammers also love them, since they’re more like cash and provide virtually untraceable ways to steal. Gift card payment scams often begin with a con artist contacting you in the guise of someone else — such as a tech support expert, IRS agent, utility company, or lottery official — claiming you need to pay for a service or you owe a debt. They insist you buy gift cards and read them the serial and personal identification (PIN) numbers on the back to make quick payment. Don’t do it! Genuine businesses and government agencies will never ask for payment via gift card. Any such request is a sure sign of fraud. The same is true if you get an urgent call that’s supposedly from a grandchild, or if someone you’ve grown close to online suddenly asks for a loan. A request for money via gift card means you’re dealing with a crook, not a loved one. You also need to watch out for con artists who pose as clergy members and reach out by phone, email, or text. They’ll use sob stories to prey on the faithful, claiming to need money for a worthy cause or a church member in need. Once again, you’ll be asked to buy gift cards and share the numbers on the back. Remember, the only reason to buy gift cards is to give them to family and friends. They’re not meant for payment.

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