A new low for craigslist job ads: From scams to sleaze

I recently sent an e-mail to ask for additional details on a local Human Resources Support position advertised through craigslist. Here’s my initial e-mail:

Greetings,

My name is REMOVED and I am writing to request more information about the HR Support position your company advertised on craigslist.

•    What is the name of your company?
•    Where is your company located?
•    What schedule is a HR Support expected to work?

I’ve made it a personal policy to be cautious when applying for jobs listed on craigslist, so any answers you can provide are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
REMOVED

That’s the typical e-mail I send to any craigslist jobs listing poster that may be legit. It’s my safeguard against the multitude of scam posts that earned the posting site its derogatory alias “dregslist.” (Credit for the ingenious nickname goes to my wife.)

When I send that e-mail, I usually expect no response at all or a form letter completely ignoring my question and featuring a link to an online “application” instead. At that point, my suspicions are confirmed, I ignore the reply, and I move on.

This case is a bit different, though.

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craigslist users blast yTen, interview practices

With unemployment approaching 10% in Missouri, it’s not surprising that craigslist users are starting to get aggravated with “employers” who use craigslist to perpetuate scams. I don’t know if yTen is a scam or not (there were enough red flags when I first checked the web site that I dismissed any present and future yTen postings), but 7 or 8 (I lost count) Springfield area residents were frustrated enough to voice their frustration on the cragislist jobs board.

Some of the posts were already deleted by the time I clicked on the RSS feed headlines, but I’ve re-posted 3 I was able to capture after the break.

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How to recognize job listing scams on craigslist

As unemployment rates steadily climb, more job seekers are turning to online job postings to find their next paycheck. The problem is that many job posting sites allow scam postings. One of the worst offenders is craigslist, which features a higher percentage of scams than almost any other job listing site.

So before you send your resume and personal information to a supposed potential employer, protect yourself from identity theft with a few simple tips.

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