Resumes have become a popular and profitable way for criminals to steal personal information for identity theft. Jobseekers post their resume online, but should be weary of allowing their private details, such as their name, home address, phone number, work history and education, to be left floating around the internet.
This information can be powerful enough to open or activate financial accounts, in the hands of the wrong person. Jobseekers often more than enough information in hopes that a prospective employer will have numerous ways to contact them. However, most employers do not need all that information. Although a name and an email address are necessary, it's unlikely that an employer would need to know a consumer's home address. Companies would almost certainly simply email an applicant, rather than contact them by conventional mail. Even a phone number might be superfluous information for first contact.
By listing only the essential data, consumers can more effectively shield themselves from identity theft.
Many scammers that exploit jobseekers for identity theft will post job offers that promise lofty benefits and salaries that are not commensurate with the amount of work someone would have to put in. Disingenuous companies often promise jobseekers they can make large sums of money by working from home or part-time. Many of these are pyramid schemes that may charge victims an upfront fee for considering their application.
If you're looking for a job, the best thing you can do to prevent becoming an identity theft victim, is to use common sense. If things seem too good to be true or strike you as suspicious, then just check somewhere else.