REMINDER: Do NOT send in a job application or a resume with your personal information in one of these emails or if it is not sent through HireFresnoState.
Scammers are continuing to find new ways to steal personal information, and Fresno State students have recently been targeted by fraudulent job and internship emails. The Career Development Center (CDC) is committed to raising awareness and helping students identify and avoid career-related scams.
How to Spot Potential Scam Emails
Here is example of a potential scam email:
Subject: APPLY FOR RESEARCH ASSISTANT
- Very general subject. Anything from Fresno State or a department chair, would be specific to the job or internship in the Subject line
To: [Your school email address]
Dear Students at California State University, Fresno
The business department is currently seeking the assistance of dedicated and computer-savvy students (both graduate and undergraduate) for a remote position as research assistants. In this role, you will have the opening to contribute to ongoing research initiatives and attain three hundred and fifty dollars weekly.
Details of the position:
- Role: Research Assistant
- Compensation: Three hundred and fifty dollar Weekly
- (This is always a clue that it’s a scam. That amount is too good to be true).
- Requirements: Computer proficiency
- (Only one requirement?)
- Availability: Restricted slots; approval on a first-come, first-served basis
Interested candidates should contact Mr. William Kerney via text at +1(631) 612-8872, concerning the job description and further application requirements.
- Mr. Kerney is really a Fresno State Professor, but is not affiliated with the Craig School of Business
- A real employer would not give out phone number that’s from Long Island, New York instead of their Fresno State email
- More importantly all on-campus jobs are posted on HireFresnoState and they should direct you to apply there
Kindly provide the following information:
- Full Alias:
- (Who uses this phrase? Sketchy)
- School Email Address:
- Department:
Kindly note that the available slots are restricted, and we will be accepting applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
- No interview? Super Sketchy
Best Wishes,
California State University, Fresno
Common Red Flags in Job & Internship Scam Emails
Be cautious if an email:
- Uses very general language
- (e.g., “Dear Students at California State University, Fresno”)
- Promises high pay for minimal work
- (e.g., “Three hundred and fifty dollar Weekly”)
- Has limited or vague job requirements
- (e.g., “Computer proficiency)
- Pressures you to act quickly
- (e.g., “first-come, first-served”)
- Asks you to text or email someone outside Fresno State
- (e.g., “+1(631) 612-8872”)
- Requests personal information before an interview
- Is not posted on HireFresnoState
If you notice one or more of these signs, do not respond.
Be sure to check your inbox frequently, and clear out/report any scam emails to reportphishing@csufresno.edu. Stay safe and Go Dogs!
