If the recent news that the rate of unemployment has risen and the number of new jobs created has dropped isn't bad enough...

Many first-time and out-of-work job seekers are becoming victims of employment scams!

Here are some tips to AVOID becoming a victim of an employment scam....online or otherwise.

* An offer of employment without even interviewing you

* A favorite source of income for scam artists....job offers that require an upfront fee, a charge for training or start-up fee...especially to send fees outside of the United States.

* Be wary if a company refuses to provide you with references that you can check

* Is the compensation TOO high for the work described?

* NO oral promises...only deal in the written word!

*The Better Business Bureau warns to be extremely careful when responding to unsolicited emails for employment until you confirm that the offer is from a legitimate company....even if the company's name is familiar to you.

Finally...if it sounds too good to be true...

 For more tips on how to protect yourself from job scams, click here.

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