(New York, NY) — Employment scams are on the rise and criminals are using artificial intelligence to steel personal information and money from unsuspecting job seekers.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, job scams are up 118-percent from a year ago. Thieves post fake job listings on reputable websites like LinkedIn to lure applicants, they then steal valuable information during the “interview” process. The main danger is divulging personal information like Social Security numbers, driver licenses or bank account details. Consumers reported losing over 300-million-dollars to job scams in 2022. Experts say to be wary of something that sounds too good to be true and remember only limited personal information is required during an application process.
Meanwhile, one in three Americans reportedly have a side hustle to keep up with the rising cost of living. According to a survey from Bankrate, 36-percent of Americans are taking part in the gig economy. People tell researchers their side hustles make them an average of 900 dollars a month. Many millennials and Gen Zer’s are embracing freelance work, with a majority saying their side hustles aren’t just for the financial gain but a way for them to continue with a passion or hobby.