Need extra money this holiday season? Hereâs how to not get scammed

You’ve probably seen “help wanted” signs posted at retailers or restaurants. Or maybe it’s an online listing promising work-from-home opportunities.

Whatever way you see the want ad, there are plenty of places seeking help this holiday season. But, as the Better Business Bureau points out, not all job opportunities are legitimate and some can lead to you losing and not making money.

According to the BBB, employment scams were the second riskiest in 2022. Finding the right opportunity is key, the consumer protection group said, but as the old saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Here are the BBB’s tips for avoiding a holiday job scam:

Don’t trust an employer that asks for some kind of payment upfront for a job, including things like supplies, application or training fees. These expenses should be the employer’s responsibility and can be a “big red flag that something is wrong,” BBB said.
Be wary of job offers that don’t require an interview. Reputable companies prefer to talk to job candidates before hiring them. If a job offer is presented without an interview – either on the phone or in person – or is offered only via the internet, question the company’s hiring practices and do some additional investigation.
Be wary of big money for small jobs. If an employer offers exceptionally large wages for simple tasks such as reshipping packages, stuffing envelopes or answering phones, be cautious. These too-good-to-be-true offers can be an attempt to steal your personal information via a fake job application.
Never work for a company before they hire you. A legitimate company will not ask potential applicants to complete complex products before making an official job offer. Before you begin any work, request an offer letter or written confirmation of what the job entails, including an official start date and compensation details.