Jobseekers warned of fraudulent job posting scam
Nevada JobConnect is warning jobseekers to beware of a Craig’s List scam in which two Northern Nevada customers recently fell victim.
An advertisement on Craig’s List requested jobseekers purchase Wal-Mart gift cards for $70 to pay for OSHA training for a job. Clients were told to go to the Reno or Sparks JobConnect where they would supposedly receive OSHA training to qualify for the job. However, no such training or job opportunity exists, said Renee Olson, administrator for the Employment Security Division of Nevada’s Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation.
“Because Nevada still has the highest unemployment rate in the country, many jobseekers are in desperate need of work, making them vulnerable to fraudulent activities,” Olson said. “We are warning citizens about these scams and want to remind them that Nevada JobConnect will not ask them to pay for training using a gift card, if any payment is required at all. We provide employment related assistance to jobseekers and employers at no charge.”
Jobseekers are urged to check out any job opportunity by calling the company listed or contacting Nevada JobConnect, especially if they are asked to provide money or confidential information, Olson said. Washoe County Sheriff’s Department and the Sparks Police Department have been informed of the scam.