Scam Alert: Scammers try to victimize laid-off Micron workers

Carpe diem. Seize the day. This seems to be the battle cry of opportunists hoping to take advantage of the residents and families affected by Micron's recent downsizing. The BBB has just one thing to say: Oh, no, you don't. We're going to do a little seizing of our own today, so job seekers of all varieties, listen up.

Two of the most common, and sadly successful, job scams have turned up the heat in Idaho. Both are Internet-based schemes but may extend to telephone contact as the scam progresses.

Job scam No 1: Fake online job ads. Phony job listings often use legitimate company logos or clever counterfeits . They advertise positions designed to be of interest to a target group like engineers and technical professionals. The promised wages are good, benefits plentiful.

In one variation, applicants are and told they are hired. Then the fake employer asks for personal information needed to steal the victims' identity and empty bank accounts. In a second variation, applicants are asked to pay a variety of invented fees.

Job scam No. 2: Phony job recruiters. In this scam, the con artist is watching employment posting Web sites looking for folks posting resumes or "job wanted" requests. Armed with e-mail addresses or phone numbers, the scammer goes one-on-one with the victims to gain their confidence and persuade them to provide personal information or money for recruiting services.

Protect yourself.

• Check the history and credentials of potential employers and employment services before you provide any information.

• List your resume on job sites that allow only verified recruiters to scan them and that use a privacy policy.

• Be ware of any request for money to find work for you. Verify the company through organizations like the Better Business Bureau.

• Create a unique Web address or e-mail address just for job searches.

• Be cautious of any foreign contact unless you can verify the organization.

Nora J. Carpenter is executive director of the Better Business Bureau, a not-for-profit organization serving Southwest Idaho and Eastern Oregon. For questions or comments about this weekly feature, go to www.askbbb.org or call the BBB at 342-4649 or (800)-218-1001.