Terry Goddard Warns of Online Job Search Scam

(Phoenix, Ariz. – Aug. 30, 2007) Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard is warning consumers of an online scam involving a leading job search Web site.

Monster Worldwide, Inc. has reported that personal information of 1.3 million job seekers on its Web site, www.monster.com, was stolen in an apparent identity theft crime. Scammers have been hacking into the accounts of legitimate employee recruiters, using the site to access the personal information found on job seekers’ resumes. After obtaining this information, the scammers use an email “phishing” scheme to collect personal financial and bank account information from job seekers.

This is a scam designed to obtain personal identifying and financial information. Attorney General Goddard recommends being extremely cautious if you receive an email from an online recruiter requesting your personal banking or financial information. Always verify the legitimacy of the email by phone before providing any personal information, and never send any credit card, bank account or Social Security numbers via email.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please contact the Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix at 602.542.5763; in Tucson at 520.628.6504; or outside the metro areas at 1.800.352.8431. To file a complaint in person, the Attorney General’s Office has 35 satellite offices throughout Arizona with volunteers available to assist you. Locations and hours are posted on the Attorney General’s Web site at www.azag.gov.