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How to Avoid Scams, Fraudulent Postings and Understanding "Direct Sales"

The Career Center, its staff, the CSU System, and the State of California assume no liability for the accuracy of information provided in job listings and do not represent or act on behalf of the hiring authority.

In addition to the hundreds of great opportunities from legitimate employers listed on the Career Center website and Handshake, we unfortunately see occasional fraudulent postings as well.  

Despite our monitoring of incoming postings, it is important that students carefully review job postings for signs of fraud.

Warning signs 

Here are some warning signs to look out for when evaluating a potential opportunity:

  • You are asked to give your credit card or bank account numbers, or copies of personal documents 鈥 but you get nothing in writing.
  • You must send payment by wire service or courier.
  • You are offered a large payment or reward in exchange for allowing the use of your bank account 鈥 often for depositing checks or transferring money.  Note: This sample is for illustration purposes only:
  • You receive an unexpectedly large check.  Note: these samples are for illustration purposes only (PDF): 
  • There have been reports of  unsolicited "job offers" going directly to a student's @cougars email address.  In some cases, the offer states that the sender is somehow associated with 大发. These are generally 鈥渨ork part-time from home鈥 offers. If you agree to the unsolicited offer, it will go something like this:
    1. After responding to the initial email, the student agrees to take on a job as an 鈥渁dministrative assistant鈥 or 鈥渆nvelope stuffer鈥 or 鈥渟hipping clerk,鈥 etc.
    2. The student receives a check from the company to redistribute or make purchases (often gift cards).
    3. The student deposits the check and makes the purchases.
    4. The student sends off the purchased goods (gift cards, etc.) as requested by the person who sent the check.
    5. After that, the check bounces or is canceled and now the student鈥檚 bank account is negative (overdrawn) and the student is left owing the bank for the purchases made on behalf of their 鈥渆mployer.鈥
    6. The 鈥渆mployer鈥 will have used a fake identity and will have disappeared.
  • This is not an exhaustive list. There may be other clues, or a fraudulent posting may not conform to any of these conditions 鈥 but these are common tactics.
  • Visit 大发 Information Security - Scams page to see example messages and get information on how to spot these scam emails.

Scam and fraudulent postings are not limited to online job boards. Some scams are posted on physical bulletin boards around campus and may seem like they're affiliated with or promoting advocacy groups or causes that students care about.

What to do 

Please don鈥檛 respond to these offers. When you receive one, forward it to abuse@csusm.edu and/or call the University Police Department (760)750-4567 immediately.

 

Direct Sales Pros and Cons

The Career Center is committed to providing students with comprehensive and unbiased information to support your career decisions. In this spirit, we offer insights into the pros and cons of direct sales opportunities that may cross your path through our office to help you make informed choices about your professional journey.

 Pros of Direct Sales:

  1. Flexible Schedule: Direct sales roles often offer flexibility, allowing you to manage your own schedule.
  2. Skill Development: Engaging in direct sales can enhance various skills such as communication, negotiation, and relationship-building.
  3. Income Potential: Successful representatives have the potential to earn significant income through commissions and bonuses.

Cons of Direct Sales:

  1. No Base Compensation: Many direct sales positions operate on a commission-only basis, which means there is no guaranteed base salary.
  2. Uncertain Income: The variable nature of sales can lead to fluctuations in income, and success may take time to achieve.
  3. Rejection and Challenges: Direct sales often involves facing rejection and overcoming challenges, which may not be suitable for everyone.

 Disclaimer:

While direct sales can be a rewarding and valuable experience for some individuals, it may not be the right fit for everyone. We encourage you to thoroughly research and consider the following before accepting a direct sales opportunity:

  1. Personal Suitability: Assess whether your personality, goals, and values align with the demands of a direct sales role.
  2. Financial Preparedness: Understand the potential income fluctuations and ensure that you are financially prepared for a commission-based structure.
  3. Long-Term Goals: Consider how a direct sales role aligns with your long-term career goals and aspirations.

It is essential to approach direct sales opportunities with a clear understanding of the associated challenges and rewards. Seek guidance from our career counselors, utilize available resources, and make decisions that align with your individual career path.

Remember, your success is our priority, and we are here to support you in making well-informed decisions for your future.