Tips to Protect Yourself from Scams

As many students seek opportunities for summer employment, be on the alert for possible scams! Scams are dishonest criminal schemes carried out by an individual, group, or company that purposely steals your money or private information.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Scams:

• Do not conduct business over the phone with callers you do not know.
• Never provide personal information (such as your Social Security Number, bank or credit card information) to anyone you do not know on the phone, online or by email, especially if they contact you first.
• If someone becomes increasingly aggressive and threatening to you over the phone and/or tries to keep you on the phone for a long time and won’t allow you to hang up or call back later, they are likely a scammer.
• If an employer sends you an offer letter without an interview, asks you to complete a test or project, asks for cash or payment information, pressures you to accept an offer, or promises to help you obtain a visa, they are likely a scammer.
• Don’t cash checks that arrive in the mail unexpectedly.
• Review information provided on the Career & Professional Development Center (CPDC) website regarding how to spot Fraudulent Employers & Jobs and CMU’s Information Security Office (ISO) on how to spot a phishing email.

What to do if You Are the Victim of a Scam:

• STOP! If you are being asked for information or pressured to send payment, stop! Do not send any payment details in any situation over the phone.
• Collect the caller Information. Take all details regarding the name, agency and the details about the request. Tell them you need to follow up and then hang-up
• Alert the Authorities. Contact your career center advisor to determine whether or not this is a legitimate request
• Make a Report. University Police (412-268-2323) can help make a police report about the scam and advise on other places to report it.

If you are ever in doubt about whether or not something is a scam, do not hesitate to call the University Police at 412-268-2323 and your Career Center Advisor.