Companies You Should AVOID Applying to

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In 2024, scams are EVERYWHERE.

As someone applying for jobs, you need to be diligent when applying for jobs and be able to identify when jobs seem sketchy.

I want to put together a list of companies you should think twice about when applying to. I am also going to add a submission section where you can submit companies or jobs that have been sketchy to you so I can add it to this list and we can all help each other out.

You can always come back and refer to this list when applying so you can avoid wasting your time or potentially getting scammed.

List:

Here are some companies and types of scams that people believe are deceptive or fraudulent based on recent reports:

1. Best Buy’s Geek Squad – Frequently impersonated in scams where fraudsters claim to be from Geek Squad to trick victims into providing personal information (source).
2. Amazon – Scammers often impersonate Amazon representatives to deceive individuals into providing sensitive information or making payments (source).
3. PayPal – Commonly used in phishing scams where fraudsters send fake emails or messages pretending to be from PayPal (source).
4. LinkedIn – Scammers pose as recruiters from well-known companies to lure job seekers into providing personal information or paying for fake job opportunities (source).
5. Various Online Retailers – Online purchase scams are prevalent, where fake websites or sellers deceive consumers into buying non-existent products (source).
6. Energy Companies – Some energy companies have been reported for deceptive practices, including misleading customers about rates and services (source).
7. blueprintservice.com – Asked for a candidate to submit direct deposit cheques to purchase software and has AI images of their workers on the website.
8. Vector Marketing – Frequently mentioned in discussions about misleading job postings and high-pressure sales tactics (source).
9. Revature – Some users have reported concerns about their training programs and job placement guarantees (source).
10. Cydcor – Often associated with door-to-door sales jobs that are marketed as management training programs (source).
11. Arise Virtual Solutions – Mentioned in discussions about independent contractor positions that require upfront fees (source).
12. Appen – Some users have expressed concerns about inconsistent pay and lack of communication (source).
13. Fathom Digital Manufacturing – Have had people posing as recruiters working for this company offering candidates jobs that do not work at this company.
14. SoCalGas – Have had people posing as recruiters working for this company offering candidates jobs that do not work at this company, even offering candidates jobs that did not apply for a job.
15. Empuls Inc – “I recently went through an entire job interview process online via Microsoft Teams with a company called Empuls Inc. I received a job offer, but I have concerns that it might be a scam. Please be cautious if you encounter similar situations and verify the legitimacy of the company before proceeding.”
16. Fluxtek Solutions – “I applied for a data entry position and the email I received after asked me to do my own credit history check with a specific company to be able to continue the hiring process.”
17. “It’s this company called Gnomegen based in San Diego but it seems very suspicious. I didn’t have a formal interview they just saw my resume and said I had to take a questionnaire. The questionnaire seemed very legitimate. Then the next day they said I got the job but they said I would have to pay for a training certificate for data entry. Because that’s the job data entry clerk for $27 an Hour. They said they would reimburse me for the training. They also asked that I make a telegram to keep in contact with them. But I honestly think it’s suspicious but it seemed like such a good opportunity.”
18. Absolve Therapuetics – Did interview via teams chatbot, no contact information and no my Google Business.

This list is based on user discussions and submissions and should be taken with caution. It’s always advisable to research thoroughly and verify the legitimacy of any company before proceeding with job applications or accepting offers.

Tips on How to Avoid Getting Scammed

Candidates should start by checking the company’s official website for a professional appearance, accurate contact information, and clear details about their services or products. Look for a physical address and verify it through a quick online search or mapping service.

When you’re applying for a job, it’s important to verify that the company is legitimate. One easy way to do this is by checking if the company has a Google Business Profile. Here’s why this matters:

A Google Business Profile is like an online business card. It shows important details like the company’s address, phone number, website, and customer reviews.

Legitimate businesses usually have this profile because it helps them appear in Google searches and maps, making it easier for customers and job seekers to find them.

If a company doesn’t have a Google Business Profile, it could be a red flag. While not having a profile doesn’t automatically mean the company is a scam, it’s unusual for a real business to skip this free and useful tool.

Scammers often don’t bother creating a Google Business Profile because they don’t want to leave a traceable online presence.

So, if you can’t find a Google Business Profile for the company, proceed with caution.

Look for other signs of legitimacy, like a professional website, verified contact information, and positive reviews on platforms like LinkedIn or Glassdoor. This extra step can help you avoid falling victim to a scam.

Here is what it looks like:

Next, research the company on business directories like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and local Chamber of Commerce websites to see if they are registered and if there are any complaints against them.

Reading customer reviews and employee testimonials on sites like Glassdoor and Indeed can also provide valuable insights into the company’s legitimacy and work culture.

Contact the company directly using the phone number or email provided on their official website to verify job postings or offers.

Be cautious of companies that ask for sensitive information or upfront payments during the application process, as these are often red flags for scams.

Finally, use tools like ICANN Lookup to check the domain registration details of the company’s website to ensure it matches the company’s information.

Legitimate companies will have a consistent and professional online presence across multiple platforms.

Companies Using AI

Companies using AI in scams have become increasingly sophisticated, leveraging advanced technologies to deceive candidates and consumers.

One common tactic involves creating AI-generated images of employees to lend credibility to fake companies.

AI isn’t perfect, so you should be able to tell by looking at pictures like these that they are AI-generated.

These images often appear professional and realistic, making it difficult for individuals to discern their authenticity. They may also even make them fake LinkedIn profiles to try to appear more legit.

In addition to AI-generated images, scammers may use AI-driven chatbots or virtual assistants to interact with potential victims.

These AI tools can simulate human-like conversations, making the scam appear more legitimate and convincing.

They can answer questions, provide detailed information, and even conduct preliminary interviews, all while masking the fraudulent nature of the operation.

AI is also used to create deepfake videos or voice recordings, where scammers impersonate real company executives or recruiters. This can be particularly convincing and damaging, as it exploits the trust individuals place in visual and auditory cues.

For example, a deepfake video call with a supposed company executive might be used to gain trust and solicit sensitive information or payments.

To protect themselves, candidates should verify the identities of individuals they interact with by cross-referencing LinkedIn profiles and other professional networks.

Additionally, conducting video calls through verified company channels and being cautious of inconsistencies in communication can help identify potential AI-driven scams.

Please be safe out there and use caution when applying for jobs!