Job scams are common during the holiday season. The scammers on legitimate employment sites try to lure in job applicants. They might offer you the job quickly and ask for your personal information like your driver’s license, Social Security, or bank account number to fill out their “employment paperwork.” However, once you provide it, they might steal your identity.

• First, do research. Contact the company directly using a phone number or e-mail you know is legitimate – not the one you saw advertised on a website. See what others have said about it online.

• Next, search online for the company name and the words “review,” “complaint,” or “scam” to get an idea of what other people have experienced. Be sure to contact the FTC if you spot a scam!

• Finally, talk to someone you trust before taking any job offer or business opportunity. What do they think? And if something sounds fishy, do not hesitate to reach out to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

For more information visit ftc.gov/JobScams