Few things are more annoying than that “potential spam” call that pops up on your phone or when you answer a call to hear a recorded voice trying to get information from you. We’ve learned to adapt by ignoring the calls or hanging up. But when job hunting, you’re often eager to answer all calls in case it’s a potential job offer.

Frequent moves and job searches that are part of military life can make MilSpouses uniquely vulnerable when it comes to employment schemes. What’s more, today’s technology and artificial intelligence tools make scams more tailored and believable. But scammers haven’t changed what they’re after — your money and personal information.

It’s easy to get scammed because bad actors post ads like legitimate employers. How can you stay vigilant? Be cautious of ads that lead with work-from-home enticements or postings about being your own boss. Nanny, caregiver and virtual personal assistant postings can be suspect, too. Watch out for jobs that require you to buy certifications or trainings before you even start a position. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides information on current and common scams to avoid.

As someone trained to help people plan for their financial goals, I want to help you guard against job scams. Knowledge is power, but that’s only half the battle. Here are a few ways to help protect yourself:

• Be on guard! If a potential employer reaches out to you when you haven’t applied, be sure to independently research that company. Don’t click on any links; instead search for the company based on the information provided. Search the company along with the word “scam” to see if any reviews or testimonials pop up to avoid getting duped by a fake website. Beware if a job posting appears on job boards but not on a company’s website.
• Recognize indicators of cyber-scams. Beware of job interviews not conducted in-person or via a secure video call or done through teleconference applications using email addresses instead of phone numbers.
• Guard your personal information. Don’t pay upfront for background investigations or screenings connected to a possible job and do not give your credit card information to any employers requesting it. Be sure to safeguard your Social Security number as well. Remember, legitimate employers typically ask for any sensitive personal information when making a formal offer or during onboarding, not before.
• Watch for common traps. Any emails you receive about a job that have misspellings, poor grammar or a sense of urgency could be fake. Check that the email address aligns with the company name.
• Seek trusted counsel. Be alert to job positions or offers that are too good to be true. You have an amazing network to tap into, so use it. Ask a friend or fellow MilSpouse what they think of a possible job or if they or anyone else in your network has experience with a particular type of offer or potential employer.
• Don’t pay to get the job. No reputable employer, staffing agency, or headhunter will ask you to pay to start a job. Never send money to someone you meet online, especially by wire transfer. Do not accept job offers asking you to use your own bank account to transfer their money. Walk away if that’s a requirement.

Despite all the potential scammers lurking, remember you are very marketable as a military spouse. You have amazing skill sets that you can put to work. You may also be eligible for preferential treatment in the hiring process for government jobs, so be sure to take advantage of the USAJOBS website if you’re in the market. Check out the Department of Defense’s trusted Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program for free career guidance along with comprehensive tools and resources. Just beware of employment scams as you look for work.

Once you have successfully secured employment, review our financial resources to help you make the most of your new income.

Mandi Moynihan is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional who has been with MilSpouse Money Mission since its inception. She also served in the Army and is the spouse of a retired service member.

MilSpouse Money Mission® is a Department of Defense resource that offers FREE personal financial education specifically geared toward military spouses. There is a Money Ready guide for various stages of financial life, a MilLife Milestones section to help you through the big moments in your military journey, a blog, spouse videos, quizzes, calculators and more!