Super interesting article. (That sounds kinda spammy, I know, but I’m totally serious) I know that for online jobs, I use my name, my work email, and my work AIM account. I’d like to think it makes me a little bit safer.

I don’t use Craigslist just because it reminds me of places like facebook or myspace. It just seems crowded and not very professional and kinda sketchy. I even tried going to “Getafreelancer” and applied for some jobs there. Their policy actually forbids you from using contact details ON ANY PORTION OF THE SITE. As well, deleting your account requires you to email them directly. (seem weird to you? or is it just me?)

There’s always a risk involved when putting information into an online source. You just have to be careful.

That’s for sure. Craigslist can be a good resource, however, because there really is no regulation, it has become a haven for scammers. I consider it a lesson learned and won’t repeat that mistake. I certainly hope other people will be smarter and research before applying for those jobs.

I’ve never used Getafreelancer. I have signed up for Elance and they allow you to fill out a profile although I think people have to contact you through the Elance site.

That is weird that you have to contact the Admin to have your account deleted. Maybe it’s a security thing.

Thank you. Just replied to their initial reply to me (where they ask you to sign up online) with a link to your article.

You’re very welcome. It’ll be interesting to see what happens.

I too had the same experience that you did HOWEVER, the ad turned out to be true. I completed the application and didn’t hear anything and in this market it is very discouraging. I received a second email with a login and password to complete just as described above. Then a lag in time again (all of this taking place over the course of 5 weeks)…Just 4 days ago I get a phone call from “said company” who wanted to schedule an interview. I went on my interview and was called the next day with an offer on the position. It seems that maybe they are a middle man for the position? I don’t know - my link was thecareerwizard.com too but I report for work on Monday with a true and real company that admits to doing business with Career Network. Maybe there is light or maybe I’ll just be thankful that I was lucky…

Well I’m glad you had a good experience with them Ms. Barber. I suspect that you are one of very few who have.

I will keep you posted and updates as I start my new position tomorrow! Thanks

It would be most interesting to see the Mr. Alex Simon threat mail plus full headers. Please?

You’ve got me curious… I’ve gotten the same eMails as you… I want to find out if it’s legit, but I don’t want to risk giving out any more information than I already have…

Thanks for blogging on this though, it gave me a heads up!

@Tammo,

I’ll be happy to email you a copy of the email exchange between me and Mr. Simon at the address you provided.

@Courtney,

You’re welcome. Personally, after my experience with the company I would never do business with them again. However, if you do, proceed with caution. Good Luck!

YES!!!! THANK YOU for saying SOMETHING! You cannot find any confirmation for this company online (not easily anyway). So Career Network should verify who they truly are to ‘users’ so there are no questions. I was given the exact same impression because I figure -if I give you my resume once, shouldn’t that be enough?

All I’ve received are more & more emails to apply and calls from universities. A call or non-automated email from Career Network would be much more desirable.

I am so glad you posted this because I live in the DC area too and I’ve fallen for this three times. Now I get random calls on my phone and weird emails. I am really stupid for falling for this. Thanks again…I remember when I was really suspicious and I asked for more information about the position, and I didn’t get a call back. It’s been about two weeks.

Thank you Arwen for writing about this phishing scam, even after Internet Solutions Corp threatened to sue. I felt pretty stupid when I figured out that the company was not legit and immediately put my credit on alert, just in case. It’s so disgusting that this Web site preys on people’s desperation for a job.

I did list mt references in my “application.” Should I be concerned that they will receive these spam-y calls and emails as well?

Ugh. I felt icky when I saw that the second similar posting took me to the same kind of supposed part of the application, so I did a search and found your post. I’ll be following along to see how it turns out for others, but I bet I’ll start getting calls on my cell phone, and that will really annoy me after years of not having that happen. What a waste of time, too, thinking it was legit. Thank you for putting this out there.

Everyone is correct, this is a scam I worked there….beware!!!!!!

[...] Craigslist Job Scam-Internet Solutions Corporation [...]

Okay, I just fell for this stupid scam. I am a very bright and well educated woman. I just left my cheating boyfriend and needed a good paying job. So, I emailed my resume and in a matter of hours I got an email back. I started filling out the online app. and started to get an uneasy feeling about it. By the time that clicked out I think it was too late. I had many great references on my resume. I hope they will not have to deal with my stupid mistake. I just can’t believe I got into this mess. I sent a reply to the email address stating that if I or any of my references receives spam mail or phone calls I will take extreme action against the company that he works for. I have already sent an email to BBB. I have no clue what to think now.

It actually isn’t quite a fishing scam. Instead it is a way for them to generate online leads for a variety of companies, with online education being the most likely. If you look at the sign up, you will see they run you through a path asking about education, vacation, benefits, debt, etc and they then sell you as an opted in lead to various companies.

Still no job is likely, and you will be contacted relentlessly from anyone you opted in to, feeling that you had to say yes to get to a job interview.

Thank you for the valuable information you provided regarding Internet Solution Corporation.

I have been receiving emails at least once a week from them for months now.

Now I know who to attempt to track down and email them as much as they email me.

Please do keep us posted on any developments you have regarding this matter. I will try and pop in here to update you as to my progress as well.

Best regards,
Fred W

I filled out the “application”. What should I do as a form of damage control?

Hi Niomi,

I would say that if you listed references, I would notify them that they may receive spam or calls from these people. If you start getting calls from them, and from what I read on the internet most people have, tell them that you want to be put on their do not call list. They are operating in the US so legally they have to do this or face a hefty fine.

It wouldn’t be a bad idea to keep an eye on your credit information as well.

Hope this helps. Keep me updated as to how it turns out.

I just got one of this: Thank you for letting me know!
Our Human Resources Department recently received the online application you submitted for the Legal Assistant - $20/hr. to start position with Great Career Paths . Their review of your application has led them to conclude that you meet the initial requirements for employment in this position. They have forwarded your application to be considered as a potential candidate for the Legal Assistant - $20/hr. to start position.

If you still wish to be considered for this position you may visit the website at the following address: http://great-careerpaths.com/careers2.aspx?email=tarsila.talarico@ubalt.edu&id=greatcareerpaths2nds08282008&jb=1031101

The first page of the application will include a login prompt. Use the following to log in:

Username: tarsila.talarico@ubalt.edu
Password: Talarico

Upon logging into the site you will be asked to verify any information that we may currently have on record regarding your application. We may ask for some additional information from you that will be critical in making a final hiring determination. After you complete this process your application will be forwarded directly for final review and you will be contacted soon afterward.

Sincerely,
Michael Brown Human Resources

Career Network, Inc.
P.O. Box 618305
Orlando, Florida 32861-8305