Greg's Corner

Fake job offers targeting college students

By Greg Collier

In the heart of North Carolina, a college student’s promising summer opportunity turned into a financial nightmare. The student, nearing the completion of her junior year at North Carolina A&T, received what seemed to be a golden opportunity via email. She was offered a paid research position with a weekly salary of $450. The email appeared legitimate, even mentioning a real professor’s name and containing the university’s logo, which made the offer seem trustworthy.

Despite her attempts to verify the legitimacy of the opportunity, the student fell victim to an elaborate scam. After being “hired,” she received a check for $2,400, purportedly for office supplies necessary for the remote research role. Following instructions, she deposited the check and transferred the money through the payment app Zelle to a supposed sales representative who would provide the supplies. It wasn’t until her bank notified her that the check was fake that she realized she had been swindled. Now, she faces a $2,400 debt to the bank, with no recourse to recover the funds.

This incident highlights a recurring issue that continues to affect students not only at North Carolina A&T but across the nation. The scam, which impersonates faculty members and advertises too-good-to-be-true job offers, preys on students’ aspirations and financial vulnerabilities.

To protect against such scams, there are several key warning signs to watch for.

Genuine job opportunities typically require a formal application process, including interviews. Be wary of offers that come out of the blue, especially if they promise high pay with minimal effort.

Scrutinize the sender’s email address. In the student’s case, the scammer used a generic email provider rather than an official university address ending in .edu. This is a significant red flag.

If a job offer involves sending money to a third party or purchasing supplies upfront, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate employers provide the necessary resources directly or reimburse expenses through official channels.

Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pushing targets to act quickly without due diligence. Take your time to verify any offer thoroughly before committing.

Students should also be aware of resources available to them for verifying job offers. Universities often provide career services that can help students validate employment opportunities. Additionally, students can report suspicious job offers to their university’s IT department or the Better Business Bureau.