Security Centre
Expert advice on avoiding online fraud.
A Smart Job Search is a Safe Job Search
Monster is dedicated to providing the safest possible environment for you to search for jobs and manage your career. To assist with that goal, we ask that you keep a few simple security precautions in mind when evaluating job postings on Monster and job opportunities that you may receive unsolicited via email.
For example, it's possible that you may encounter fraudulent job opportunities when searching for jobs online, or you may receive fraudulent email that has had the sender's address forged to make it appear as if it came from Monster. Such practices are a violation of Monster's Terms of Use and may be a criminal violation of federal and/or state law.
Regrettably, all online companies are susceptible to occasional scams. While Monster makes every effort to prevent this abuse, it is not immune to such activity. To help you conduct a safer job search, we've assembled the following security-related articles and resources. Familiarizing yourself with this information will help you better manage your career.
- Managing Your Online Account Credentials
When it comes to your Monster profile, employer account and other online accounts, your password is the key to your site experience and personal information.
- Email Scams
We're all familiar with spam. But what about spoofing and phishing? Both terms refer to fraudulent emails that illegally collect personal information.
- Resume Security
Posting your resume on Monster is an important part of your job search. We'll show you how to keep your resume safe, while allowing employers to find you.
- Money-Laundering & Reshipping Scams
Someone from another country needs your help transferring funds. What seems like a lucrative job offer could cost you your savings and more.
- Computer Threats
Some online criminals are trying to steal more than your identity. Learn how to protect your computer from the threats that make you vulnerable to these crimes.
- Protect Your Info During A Job Search
Sharing personal information with a potential employer may be reasonable. Controlling when, how, and to whom you release information is the key.
- ID Theft Awareness and Avoidance
Identity theft is one of America's fastest growing crimes. Know the specific steps to take, both before and after the fact, to reduce your risk and minimize the damage.
- Avoiding Work-at-Home Scams
Working at home sounds great. You set your own hours and the commute can't be beat. But get the facts before you consider accepting an offer.
- Network Safely Online
Making new contacts online can help with your job search and your career. Knowing what to share and when is the first step.
- Learn How to Control Your Privacy Online
It's time to take control of your personal information-before somebody else does. Whether you blog, visit social networking sites…or just like to buy shoes online, anyone can find out who you are. The following article will show you how to control your personal information and maintain your privacy.
- Monster's Privacy Settings Let You Control Your Resume Information
When you post a resume on Monster, you'll be in charge of what information others can see about you. But you have to select the correct privacy settings. Follow the instructions in this concise article, and you'll be in charge of what information others can see about you.
- Get the Inside Scoop on Cookies and Web Beacons
Cookies make your interaction with a website faster and more personal. Web beacons allow a site to count the users who go to certain pages, compiling statistics that show how the site is used. Neither cookies nor web beacons are harmful-but both can be controlled. Get the facts in the following article.
Learn more about conducting a safe job search.
Every Internet site in the world is facing the growing issue of fraudulent usage of information, and we want to work with users around the world to stop this practice. Please keep reading to learn more about the warning signs and what you can do.
Spam email is such a common occurrence today that you may think you know what to look for. But there are two types of email scams – what's known as 'phishing' and 'spoofing' – that can be more difficult to identify. Both practices concern fraudulent email where the 'from address' has been forged to make it appear as if it came from somewhere, or someone, other than the actual source. Below are the warning signs to look for:
What’s 'phishing' all about – and how do I spot it?
Phishing emails are used to fraudulently obtain personal identification and account information. They can also be used to lure the recipient into downloading malicious software. The message will often suggest there are issues with the recipient's account that requires immediate attention. A link will also be provided to a spoof website where the recipient will be asked to provide personal/account information or download malicious software. Monster will never ask you to download software in order to access your account or use
our services.
How is it different than 'spoofing'?
Spoof emails often include a fraudulent offer of employment and/or the invitation to serve as a go-between for payment processing or money transfers. This scam is primarily directed at a general audience, but it can also reach Monster members who have included contact information on their resume. Like with phishing emails, the sender's address is often disguised.
Consumer Advice: How to Avoid Phishing Scams
The number and sophistication of phishing scams sent out to consumers is continuing to increase dramatically. While online banking and e-commerce is very safe, as a general rule you should be careful about giving out your personal financial information over the Internet. The Anti-Phishing Working Group has compiled a list of recommendations that you can use to avoid becoming a victim of these scams.
- Be suspicious of any email with urgent requests for personal financial information
- Phishers typically include upsetting or exciting (but false) statements in their emails to get people to react immediately
- They typically ask for information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, social security numbers, date of birth, etc.
- Don't use the links in an email, instant message, or chat to get to any web page if you suspect the message might not be authentic
- Instead, call the company on the telephone, or log onto the website directly by typing in the Web address in your browser
- You should only communicate information such as credit card numbers or account information via a secure website or the telephone
- Always ensure that you're using a secure website when submitting credit card or other sensitive information via your Web browser
While fraud is prevalent online, it tends to be focused on companies that derive their business from online purchases. As Monster is primarily a free service, and the contact information found in a resume can just as easily be located elsewhere (e.g. telephone listings), you can be assured that posting your resume on Monster is a safe way to conduct a job search and manage your career. However, you do need to be mindful about the type of information you include on your resume. For example, the following personal information should never be included:
- Social Insurance number
- Driver's license number
- Bank account information
- Credit card information
- Passwords
- Date of birth
Note: You should also never share the personal information listed above with a prospective employer until you are confident that the employer and employment opportunity is legitimate.
Posting Your Resume
Do you want employers to find your resume on Monster? Are you currently employed and need to be more careful about who is able to see your posted resume? Not all job searches are alike, so Monster allows flexibility in how you post your resume. Your resume options are described below:
Public Resumes
Choosing the public (searchable) resume option allows employers to find your resume during resume searches. Because employers may search for candidates before they post a job on Monster, choosing the public option will give you the widest possible access to job opportunities. Public resumes are viewable by employers — not other Monster members.
Confidential Resumes
Prefer to keep your job search more private? You can save your resume as public, but hide your contact info, current company and references. Employers will be able to contact you via a confidential Monster email address. You can then view the job listing and decide whether to respond. Please note that if you apply online with your posted resume, the information you've marked as confidential will be included so the employer can contact you.
Important: If you choose to hide your contact information, current company and references, you must ALSO remove this information from your uploaded Word resume or Copy & Paste text resume.
Private Resumes
Choosing the private (non-searchable) resume option will prevent employers from finding your resume on Monster during resume searches. However, you can still search for jobs and apply online using your private resume.
Report Fraud
If you see a questionable job posting or any potential misuse of the Monster website or its brand, please report the suspected fraud to Monster.
If you think you have been a victim of fraud, immediately report the fraud to your local police and contact Monster, so steps can be taken to ensure your safety.
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