It is important for all students to be familiar with identifying scam job postings on any job search platform (e.g., Indeed, Glassdoor, Idealist, LinkedIn). Handshake takes steps to monitor job postings for legitimacy and accuracy, but unfortunately cannot catch all job scams. Before using any job search platform, equip yourself with knowledge to proactively identify scam postings and become aware of actions to take should you encounter them.

Avoiding Scams

  • How to Avoid Common Job Posting Scams
    • Any unsolicited “too good to be true” offer likely is.
    • Never “wire” any money to, or for, any employer using your personal account or Western Union (or any other wire service).
    • Never transfer money and retain a percentage for your payment.
    • Never pay to get a job.
    • Do not share your personal bank account, PayPal account, or credit card information to a new employer.
    • Do not agree to have funds or checks directly deposited into your account(s). Setting up direct deposit for your paycheck should not occur until you are working on-site.
    • Never forward, transfer, or send money by courier (i.e., FedEx, UPS).
    • If ever in doubt, contact the Division of Career Pathways and show us the listing before you apply.

  • Received a Spam or Scam Message?
    • To report spamming, scam job emails, or any other email abuse coming to your UCI email, please immediately forward an original copy of the message to abuse@uci.edu.
    • For more on a variety of other IT security information topics important to UCI students, please visit https://security.uci.edu/incident.html.

  • What To Do If You Have Been Scammed
    • If you have encountered a fraudulent posting, company, or organization, contact the UCI Employer Relations Team at the Division of Career Pathways via phone (949) 824-6881, or email career@uci.edu, so the posting can be reviewed and appropriate action taken.
    • Immediately contact the UCI Police (949) 824-5223. The police are responsible for conducting an investigation (regardless of whether the scam artist is local or in another state).
    • If you sent money to a fraudulent employer, contact your bank and/or credit card company immediately to close the account and dispute the charges.
    • If the incident occurred completely over the Internet, file an incident report with The United States Department of Justice (www.cybercrime.gov) and the Federal Trade Commission (http://www.ftc.gov).