A student was recently the victim of a job recruitment scam perpetrated by a fraudster who claimed to represent a company named “Real Ispat & Power LTD.” The fraudster claimed to be using Handshake, a career services platform used by more than 700 universities across the country. The company is not on the Handshake platform; the fraudster claimed they were. New information indicates that several other students have been contacted by the fraudster via text, though none of these students were victims of the scam. If you receive communication from someone claiming to represent this company, do not respond.
If you receive any communication from an employer that you feel is suspicious or potentially fraudulent, do not continue interacting with the employer, nor provide any personal information. Contact the Career Services Center (CSC) with details about the situation; career center staff will investigate and take appropriate action.
The CSC recommends due diligence in researching employers when applying for or accepting off-campus employment. Be mindful of any communication, offers or requests that seem inappropriate in nature or suggest that a scam is being attempted.
To avoid becoming the victim of a scam:
- Never cash a check for or give any money to an employer, nor provide an employer you do not know with personal financial information
- Make sure the contact information of the person with whom you are in contact matches the organization’s contact information
- Question if an employer says they are hiring you based on resume alone or if they do not require a phone, Skype, and/or in person interview
If a situation feels too good to be true, be suspicious and report it. With questions, contact the Career Services Center at (414) 288-7423.