Beware of Employment Scams

Every PCS season transplants military families around the country and even the world. As a result, many military spouses may be looking for jobs in a challenging job market. Beware, military spouses! Not all job opportunities are created equal. Some are scams. So, in addition to having a winning resume, here are five tips for avoiding employment scams to help you be a savvy job seeker as you find your next professional pursuit.

1. Know where to turn for vetted career assistance

It’s a good time to be a military spouse job seeker. Why? Because there have never been more resources to help you land your next opportunity.

One of these resources is the Department of Defense’s Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program offered through Military OneSource.

With resources, assessments and career coaching, SECO offers comprehensive guidance to spouses at all career phases with resources, assessments and career coaching.

Spouses seeking additional education, or a new license or credential can apply for the MyCAA scholarship. Read how you can stay career competitive with a MyCAA scholarship.

2. Watch out for employment scams

If a job advertisement says you need to pay to get the job or you need to provide any financial information, such as a credit card, the opportunity is most likely a scam! Job scammers are convincing and prey upon unsuspecting seekers, so educate yourself on what to watch out for by visiting this Federal Trade Commission (FTC) resource on job scams.

3. Educate yourself on legal versus illegal business models

We’re talking about multilevel marketing (MLMs) companies versus pyramid schemes!

MLM companies are a legal business model. They sell products directly to customers through distributors whose profits come from sales to customers and not from recruiting other distributors.

Pyramid schemes, however, are illegal. Income from a pyramid scheme is based on how many people a participant recruits and how much he or she sells, although no real product is sold and most often, those involved lose money.

Check out this DoD Office of Financial Readiness infographic, and stay informed.

4. Ask lots of questions

A good rule when considering any job opportunity — especially one with an MLM company — is to ask yourself and your contact lots of questions. How will you be paid? What will the potential expenses and time commitment be? Will this opportunity work with your life? Make sure to do your homework before signing on! Ask these questions and more by reading this Federal Trade Commission article on MLMs.

5. Seek local guidance before you make a decision

Visit your installation’s employment readiness program for assistance navigating the local job market. Representatives can help you figure out if an opportunity is both legitimate and right for you. Visit Military OneSource’s Military Installation search to find your local office.

Turn to vetted resources to make your next career move, educate yourself on job scams and less than ideal opportunities, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Approach your job search with a little healthy skepticism to find an opportunity that’s worthy of your time and talents.

MilSpouse Money Mission^® is a Department of Defense resource that offers FREE personal financial education specifically geared toward spouses. There is a Money Ready guide for various stages of financial life, a MilLife Milestones section to help you through the big moments in your military journey, a blog, spouse videos, quizzes, calculators and more!

Join the mission to lead your family to a stronger financial future. Get started, here! Connect with us on social media and share this post.