How to Avoid Job Scams

BU endeavors to vet internships, job postings, and employers who request permission to recruit BU students and alumni. Occasionally, employment scams occur. Students should be vigilant and are urged to help us identify scams. 

If you receive a suspicious email from an employer (even if they say it is from the CCD or another BU career office), please do not respond to the email and contact our office immediately at bucareer@bu.edu. We also recommend you forward any information regarding scams to abuse@bu.edu, as this will inform BU IS&T. If you receive a check from a fraudulent employer, we encourage you to alert the BU Police. 

An employer must meet certain requirements before a posting is approved by either Handshake or the BU career centers. However, neither BU nor Handshake can guarantee that all internship and job postings are legitimate. Additionally, fraudulent opportunities may be offered to the BU community via non-official channels, such as direct emails for outside job listings (which the CCD will never send). 

In the event that Handshake or BU becomes aware of employer activity that breaches the Handshake terms of service or that has that has the capacity to mislead a BU student, Handshake and BU work together to terminate the employer account as soon as possible. As with any online platform, use your discretion and best judgment when evaluating opportunities. When in doubt, do not hesitate to contact your BU career center. 

Note: Approving an employer doesn’t necessarily mean that BU endorses the employer. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How can I tell if a job is a scam? 
Here are some good indicators that the job is more than likely a scam: 

  • You are asked to give your credit card or bank account numbers or copies of personal documents, but you get nothing in writing. 
  • You are asked to send a payment by wire service or courier. 
  • You are offered a large payment or reward in exchange for the use of your bank account, often for depositing checks or transferring money. 
  • You receive an unexpectedly large check. This is the biggest and most costly scam. If you receive a check in the postal mail from an employer, DO NOT cash it or pursue the offer. Please turn everything into the BU Police Department. The check may look real, but it is not. You will be responsible for the entire amount of the check, plus any fees incurred by the bank when they process it and discover that the check is fraudulent. 

I received an email about a job opportunity from the CCD. How can I tell if it is legit? 
The CCD will send emails about available opportunities in one of two ways; either with a link to a Handshake listing (these emails will be generated by Handshake) or by featuring the opportunity in the CCD Corner newsletter. If you have received an email that appears to originate from the CCD directing you to a non-Handshake opportunity, it is FRAUDULENT. Please forward the email to bucareer@bu.edu and abuse@bu.edu immediately, and DO NOT answer it or click on any of the links. 

I have found a job or internship opportunity that feels wrong to me. Can I find out more information about recognizing scams before I apply? 
Check out the following links and resources for recognizing scams and employment fraud: 

  • CCD Handshake Resources: Be A Savvy Searcher: Internship/Job Search Tips and Precautions (requires Handshake login) 
  • BU Student Employment Office (SEO): Job Scam Alerts 
  • BU International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO): Scam and Fraud Scheme Information for International Students 
  • BU Today: Tips for Protecting Yourself From Scams 
  • U.S. Federal Trade Commission: Job Scam Info and Videos