The U of M student recognized the posting from HYDROCK Inc LLC as problematic and some online research led him to a press release issued by BBB of Cleveland last November. A representative from that Better Business Bureau reports that in addition to the report from our region, they’ve received calls about this same scam from Ohio State University, Arkansas Tech and Arkansas State just in the last few weeks. BBB notes there is a legitimate company called Hydrock; however, they are located in England and are not associated with these questionable job offers.
“Many college students are looking for work to bring in money while they earn their degrees and others are looking for their first post-graduate job,” said Dana Badgerow, president and CEO of BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota. “Fraudsters, unfortunately, know there’s opportunity for them, as well, which is why it’s vitally important for students to thoroughly research any employment offers they receive.”
Based on information submitted to BBB, a number of University of Minnesota students received emails from HYDROCK Inc. LLC claiming ‘the position will only require 4-6 hours weekly between Mon- Fri.’ The email further states that the position offers flexibility that allows applicants to choose their hours during the day to avoid conflicts between classes or other employment. However, as with most suspect job offers, scant details are offered as to what the position actually entails.
Bogus
job offers have been victimizing job seekers for as long as there’s
been a job market. Hopeful applicants typically run across these
companies while searching for employment online or through unsolicited
job offers after posting their resumes on job sites. While some of the
scammers concoct business names, others mimic legitimate companies based
here in the US or abroad. Addresses typically provided by the bogus
companies either do not exist or are valid addresses at which the
scammer is not actually located.
People
should always be leery of situations where they receive a check
upfront, as this is not how legitimate job offers take shape. In
particular, avoid situations where you’re asked to deposit a check and
send funds back to the ‘employer’ or unknown third-parties. You should
not have to pay for an employment opportunity. Job seekers should also
watch out for offers to take part in reshipping schemes. Many times,
individuals accept these positions not knowing they’re participating in
illegal schemes to reship merchandise paid for with stolen credit cards
out of the country.
“There are definitely red flags people should be looking for – such as being offered a position without so much as a job interview,” added Badgerow.
Other warning signs of potential employment scams include:
· The position involves transferring money or reshipping goods
· The company is or claims to be located in another country
· The position does not list education or experience requirements
· The offer promises significant earning potential for little effort
· Emails contain grammatical and typographical errors
· Company claims to be in business for many years but their website was only recently created
