Online job listing an ID theft scam

MSNBC ^ | 11/4/2002 | Bob Sullivan

[Willie Green]

For education and discussion only. Not for commercial use.

‘Background check’ used to steal full slate of personal info

Nov. 4 — It was just the job lead Jim needed: a marketing manager position with Arthur Gallagher, a leading international insurance broker. And only days after Jim responded to the job posting on Monster.com, a human resources director sent along a promising e-mail. We´re interested in you, the note said. The salary is negotiable, the clients big. In fact, the clients are so valuable and sensitive that you´ll have to submit to a background check as part of the interview process. Eager for work, Jim complied — and sent off just about every key to his digital identity, including his age, height, weight, Social Security number, bank account numbers, even his mother´s maiden name.

IT WAS ALL JUST an elaborate identity theft scam designed to prey on the most vulnerable potential victims — the increasing ranks of the unemployed.

[redbaiter]

I want to feel sorry for this guy but I just cannot manage it. Height? Weight? Bank account numbers? What was his first clue?

[Gorzaloon]

I want to feel sorry for this guy but I just cannot manage it. Height? Weight? Bank account numbers? What was his first clue?

Same her..After spending a lifetime in R&D, and having my share of layoffs and contract cancellations, I "feel for" someone who is out of work, and will never forget being afraid of going to the mailbox in fear of the mounting bills.

But I am sorry: In this case, I suspect the person is out of work because they are just STUPID.

Even when my BANK asks me for the SS#, I bite their head off and demand "WHY????" and grille them..and I have been going there for 25 years!

But I suppose that is just ME...

[mom4kittys]

I responded to an ad on Monster.com and a recruiter called to arrange an interview. He emailed me about 10 pages of forms and releases with an application to bring with me to the interview. They wanted me to turn this in BEFORE the interview. He also told me I shouldn't bring up money during this initial interview. They wanted ALL my personal information and releases for background checks, before I even had a chance to see if it was a job I was even interested in! I said no thank you and the recruiter was flabbergasted that I was insulted by this and couldn't understand why I would turn down such a good opportunity.

I see NO reason any employer would need anything other than the information provided on a resume before making an employment offer--and then personal info and releases could be provided and only then.

[isthisnickcool]

Just use 409-52-2002 when people ask you for a SS#,

Thank yew, thank yew very much.....

[evolved_rage]

Elvis???

[ThePythonicCow]

Yup - Elvis.