Job Scam Report Summary

Introduction

• Host: Mark Dyson
• Platforms: Podcast and video podcast
• Co-hosts: Ashley Price Horton, Jay Jones (not present in this episode)

Purpose of the Episode

• Present information from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Better Business Bureau (BBB)
• Provide insights on job scams for 2025, based on past data

Job Scams Overview

• Job scams have intensified in 2024
• Scammers use fake recruiters and hiring managers
• Tactics involve social engineering, playing on victims' emotions like anxiety from being laid off, or long-term unemployment

Key Data from FTC

• $756 million total loss reported by Americans, up from $250 million in 2023
• Employment scams increased threefold from 2020-2024
• Common methods: email, text, phone
• Consumers reported a jump in job scam losses from $90 million to $51 million (47% increase)
• Younger people get scammed more frequently; older people (45+) lose more money

Key Data from BBB

• Employment scams are the second most common scam type (14% of all reported scams)
• Median loss: $1,500
• Personal data is more valuable than the monetary loss, as scams can lead to identity theft
• Employment scams riskiest for ages 18-34
• Flexibility to work from home is a top motivational factor for victims

Impact of AI in Scams

• Scammers using AI to generate and spread scams quickly
• Fake employees being created to scam companies

Vulnerability of Job Seekers

• Mass applying to jobs increases vulnerability
• Lack of verification of employers leads to giving away personal data
• Desperation to leave toxic jobs increases risk

Tips to Avoid Job Scams

• Do not include your home address on resumes; use city, state, and ZIP code instead
• Use Google Voice or Emil (a pay service) to mask your real phone number
• Protect personal information; avoid sharing detailed employment history unnecessarily
• Verify employer intent before sharing resumes
• Be vigilant and disengage from suspicious communications

Conclusion

• Scammers use technology like email, voicemail, text, and calls
• Trust your instincts if something feels off in communication
• Block and report suspicious contacts

Additional Resources

• Contact: Mark at Dyson on various platforms
• Read more: Mark Dyson's Substack for in-depth articles ($5/month subscription)

• Encourage listeners to share the podcast and report
• Thank you message and call to action to subscribe for more content