Internships

The web can be a scary place. Especially when it comes to identifying legitimate job postings. As technology advances, online job boards are fast becoming a convenient way to search for career opportunities. Unfortunately, scammers frequent these sites and are now targeting unsuspecting college students looking for job openings and internships. While there is a danger you could fall victim to a fraudulent job posting crime, there are ways to reduce your risk and keep safe while job hunting online.

Know the signs:

• Does the company require bank account information from you?
• Are they asking you to pay upfront costs?
• Are they offering you money as part of the application?
• Are you required to provide personal information beyond the scope of the application? Are you required to provide personal information over the phone or email?
• Does the company website appear unfinished, have spelling or grammatical errors?
• Is the job description vague or poorly written?
• Does the company work out of a private residence?
• Is the company a multi-level marketing company (i.e. pyramid scheme)?
• Does the company only provide a generic e-mail address (e.g. Gmail, Outlook or Yahoo)?
• Does the job require no interviews or no experience?
• Did the company contact you blindly via email or text? Was it sent to multiple recipients?
• Are you asked to download apps or click on links to get more job information?

If you suspect a scam:

• Report it to your internship supervisor.
• Alert the Center for Career and Professional Development.
• If you were solicited by a scammer via your SFA email, report it as phishing to ITS.
• Consider filing a report with the Federal Trade Commission, the Texas Attorney General and the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center.
• You may also contact the SFA University Police Department to see if a report needs to be submitted.

What to do if you fall victim:

• Change your email and bank passwords immediately and, as applicable, turn on Two-Factor Authentication.
• Report the scam to IdentiftyTheft.gov, especially if you have given out personal information.
• Contact the three credit bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion and Experian, to freeze your credit score and begin a fraud alert.
• If money was exchanged, then contact your bank, or the company that handled the transaction.
• Consult the Federal Trade Commission website for additional help.

Final words:

• Always trust your instinct. If the job posting sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
• Be sure to report scams to the appropriate offices so others do not fall victim.
• If you do go on to get an interview and begin to suspect a scam, then it is probably wise not to proceed further. Thank the company for the chance to interview and then politely turn down the job opportunity.

In the end remember, it’s all about protecting yourself. Be patient, be cautious and be diligent. In doing so you will ensure that the right job or internship will come your way.

Students are encouraged to explore the available resources at SFA's Center for Career and Professional Development. This resource is available to all SFA students and provides guidance for application materials, mock interview services, career fairs and other relevant information for internships and future employment.

• Internship Procedures and Guidelines - Undergraduate
• Internship Procedures and Guidelines - Graduate
• Internship Application for Credit Approval Form