Most Recently Reported Job Scams Targeting Students
A report of fraudulent activity was reported to our office by a career center and student. After careful research, we found that a user created an account that was made to look legitimate, and at least eight students applied to the position posted. The employer account has been declined and no longer has access to HireUTexas. Additionally, this incident has been reported to UT IT Security, and to their respective career services offices to communicate resources and updates directly to the student.
This activity violates our recruiting standards and we continue to take measures to enhance our vetting process and provide transparency to our partners. Please review the tips below to share accordingly as we take our role seriously in keeping students informed and educated on ways to protect themselves and their information.
Additional details regarding company/job from recent incidents. We are sharing this information, but aside from a legitimate business being spoofed, all contact information is most likely fraudulent, too.
- Posted June 18
- Company Name/Contact Name: Properties Plus, LLC/Michael James
- Job Roles: Finance/Accounting Internship
Tips from Information Security Office
- Enable two-factor authentication for UTmail account – this is really easy to do and adds a lot of security to the equation in a phishing scenario: https://www.google.com/landing/2step/
- Students can also review these resources: https://security.utexas.edu/Protect-Your-Privacy
Steps to Take if You are a Victim of a Scam (per our Scam Job Posting Guide)
- Identify the situation. Did you give out any personal information? If so, target the areas that you think may be compromised and work with banks, your credit card company, or other entities to ensure best safety measures. This may include closing bank or email accounts that were jeopardized or ordering credit reports to scan for any unusual activity.
- Document everything! This will help the University or law enforcement better assist you and ensure that others may be warned in the future.
- Campus resources available to you:
- Texas Career Engagement: careerengagement@austin.utexas.edu, 512-471-2425
- UT Police Department: 512-471-4441
- UT Legal Services for students: deanofstudents.utexas.edu/lss/
- Federal Trade Commission Complaint Assistant information: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?pid=B
- Explore this article about how to stay safe on Handshake.
Disclaimer: Texas Career Engagement and The University of Texas at Austin’s college/school career service offices take measures to help protect students from fraudulent internship/job postings on campus job boards. While our moderators vet all positions and employers as best we can, we cannot take responsibility for each position. This information is to help educate students to further protect themselves when searching for employment.
Recent reports: