Unfortunately, there are people who try to take advantage of others in the job market. The Madison area has amazing opportunities, but be sure to keep an eye out for job scams and offers that may not have your best interest in mind.
Fraudulent Job Communications
Fraudulent job communications are currently on the rise. Fraudulent job offers may be sent to your UW email directly. Be skeptical of employment emails that contain vague subjects or information, offer a large sum of money for work as an assistant, or request that you purchase items or cash checks before starting work. If you suspect that an employment opportunity may be fraudulent, contact our team and do not provide the employer any sensitive information.
Job openings emailed from “Job Placement & Student Service” are not affiliated with the Student Jobs Site and are fraudulent.
Reported Job Postings
The following Local Student Job postings have been reported to our team as fraudulent:
- Part Time Personal/Family/Business Assistant 12366 (September 2024)
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General Tips
Here are some tips from the Handshake Help Center to help you make an informed decision on your next job search:
- NEVER accept and deposit a check before you start a position
- Prior to accepting employment, we encourage students to research and obtain objective information about the employer for the position posted
- Be wary of an employer who offers you a job before ever speaking with you
- Familiarize yourself with common job scams provided by Handshake
- If something feels “too good to be true”, be suspicious
Employer Red Flags
- Employer phone is blocked and cannot return calls
- Address listed is not a U.S. or Madison address OR is an address for a post office
- Employer emails or contacts you for a job that you did not apply for OR invites you to apply to a job
- Email address is not an affiliate with their respective company OR is a @gmail.com, @yahoo.com or @hotmail.com.
- Anonymity is a cause for suspicion. If it is difficult to find an address, contact, or company name, there may be a reason for this. Fraud postings are illegal and fraudulent employers will try to keep themselves as hidden as possible from the public eye.
What if I have given sensitive information to a fraudulent employer?
Report the job and employer to our support team: student.employment@finaid.wisc.edu
More information from Handshake can be found here on how to stay safe during your job search.
International Students: Avoiding Scams and Fraud
According to UW International Student Services, many F-1 and J-1 international students are common target of scams.
Visit the International Student Services site on “Avoiding Scams & Fraud” for more information on common scams, recognizing and avoiding scams, how to respond as the target of a scam, and further support and resources if you are targeted for phishing.