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As Coronavirus Pandemic Rages On, Scammers Aim For Job Seekers

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The Oregon FBI is warning of yet another pandemic-related scam: hiring fraud. 

COVID-19 hit the economy hard, driving up the state’s unemployment rate as industries – especially hospitality, food, and travel – scaled back their payrolls.

With more than 11 percent of state residents currently out of work, scammers are using fake ads, spoofed company websites, and false interviews to fleece targets of sensitive personal and financial information.  Sometimes offers are made, followed by requests for a drivers license, the purchase of startup materials, or credit card numbers.

Officials say people can research the hiring company. If job postings on online job boards aren’t mentioned on the official company website, that could signal a potential scam.

Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.
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