MECHELE AGBAYANI MILLS, Tyler Better Business Bureau

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Job searching can be a vulnerable time for an individual, emotionally, as well as the fact personal information is being repeatedly sent to others via email or through applying for jobs on websites. When consumers are vulnerable, scam artists strike. BBB is warning job seekers about “re-shipping,” “re-packaging,” “import/export specialist” or “package forwarding” job offers which promise what appears to be a lucrative job opportunity, but is nothing more than a sophisticated scam.

While these jobs may sound like an easy way to earn a few extra dollars working from home, participants could be named accomplices to a criminal enterprise. That’s why it’s so important to be vigilant when seeking employment of any kind.

Here’s how the scam works:

Bogus foreign companies advertise in help wanted ads on Internet job sites. Consumers who respond to the ads are told that the employer is in a foreign country and needs an American contact to handle its business in the U.S.  The “employers” may even use a well-known company’s name, logo and physical address in the email correspondence to make the company sound legitimate. Once they have convinced the job seeker to trust them, they are asked to forward money from one account to another and/or to reship stolen merchandise to overseas companies as part of their employment duties. The shipper is then instructed to report back to the company in order to receive a check. Instead of a check, however, often times, the police will show up at the shipper’s door, because they have transported stolen merchandise with illegally obtained credit card information.

 BBB offers tips to help job seekers skip these types of scams: 

n Avoid job listings that use these descriptions: package forwarding, reshipping, money transfers, wiring funds and foreign agent agreements. These and similar phrases should raise a red flag. 

n Do not be fooled by official-sounding corporate names. Some scam artists operate under names that sound like those of long-standing, reputable firms. 

n Never forward or transfer money from any of your personal accounts on behalf of your employer. Also, be suspicious if you are asked to wire money to an employer. If a legitimate job requires you to make money transfers, the money should be withdrawn from the employer’s business account, not yours. 

n Do not give out your personal financial information. A potential legitimate employer will not request your bank account, credit card or Paypal account number. Only provide your banking information if a legitimate company hires you and you choose to have your paycheck direct deposited. 

n Do not fax copies of your ID or Social Security number to someone you have never met. Credit checks and fake IDs can be obtained with this information. Only give these documents to your employer when you are physically at the place of employment. 

n Don’t accept packages for people you don’t know.

n Do your homework on any company you choose to work for

n If there’s high pay for little work and little experience, it’s probably a scam.

For more tips on how to be a savvy consumer, go to bbb.org. To report fraudulent activity or unscrupulous business practices, call the BBB Hotline: 903-581-8373 and remember to look for the seal.