If you have any questions regarding Handshake or encounter any posting or employer information that seems suspicious and is of concern to you, please communicate with our office at (313) 577-3390. Below is a list of red flags to watch for to avoid suspicious employers.

• Misspelled words/bad grammar: If you receive an email or letter from a company that contains spelling errors, misused words, bad grammar, or other typos, this is probably not a legitimate email or letter from the company.

• Personal contact information:  If a person asks you to contact them via their personal contact information, such as a home mailing address, personal cell phone, or personal email account (such as Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo, etc.), do NOT provide your information.

• Receiving an email from a personal account:  If a person contacts you from a personal email account (such as Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo, etc.), do NOT provide your information. Legitimate businesses conduct business through a business email.

• Starting work before completing paperwork: If a company wishes to hire you for a legitimate position, you will be asked to complete hiring paperwork and forms for tax purposes BEFORE you begin working for that company.

• Asked to provide sensitive financial or personal information:  NEVER provide your banking information, social security number, or credit card information over the phone or via email. Legitimate company representatives will not ask for this type of information from you until you complete hiring paperwork that includes federal and state documents.

• Wire transfers or asking you to invest your money:  Legitimate companies will NEVER ask you to conduct a wire transfer to a client, customer, etc. You should NEVER have to pay out of pocket or use your personal bank account to conduct company business.

A good rule to remember: If a job opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

To research common fraud schemes, visit the FBI's website for fraud: 

• Common Scams and Crimes
• Cyber Criminals using fake job listings

To research the legitimacy of a company, refer to the Better Business Bureau: www.bbb.org

To file a formal complaint with the State of Michigan, contact the Consumer Protection Division under the State Attorney General's Office: http://www.michigan.gov/ag.

To help us serve you better, please feel free to communicate with our office at 313-577-3390 if you have any questions regarding Handshake or if you encounter any posting or employer information that concerns you.