Most job seekers will post their resume online if they see a potential opportunity but unfortunately, both legitimate employers and scammers use online platforms.

Hoping to make job seekers aware of the difference, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing a consumer alert on employment scams.

“Fraudsters take advantage of job seekers eager to find work to steal their money or personal information,” Nessel said. “When looking for a new job, stay vigilant and use trusted job search sources to protect yourself from employment scams.”

These are some of the red flags that job seekers need to be aware of when applying for jobs online:

• You receive an unsolicited request for an immediate interview.

• Poor spelling or grammar in a job offer email.

• The email comes from a personal email account rather than a business account.

• The interview is conducted only online through video chats.

• Offers a salary that is higher than normal for that position.

• There are up-front money requests for things like start-up equipment or background checks.

• A job is offered without verifying work experience or asking for references.

The AG’s office offers these precautions to protect the public from job scams:

• Always be suspicious of unsolicited emails, especially those coming from unfamiliar sources.

• Check the company’s website to confirm that the email address comes from their domain. • It would not be a personal or unaffiliated email.

• Search online for the company’s list of employees using their name or the sender’s name. Include the words “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.”

• Make a call or send an email to the company directly with the contact information you have to confirm is theirs.

• Check out the company on the Better Business Bureau’s website.

• If the company refuses to send written information or provide a physical street address proceed with caution before you commit to taking a job.

• Beware of any company that sends you a check and asks you to advance money out of your own bank account. Some scammers may send a check that bounces as a way of tricking you into spending your own money.

A few of the reliable sources to consider when searching online for a job include:

• CareerOneStop — Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, CareerOneStop lists hundreds of thousands of jobs. It also links to employment and training programs in each state.

• USA.gov — Hosts local government websites that list any open positions they may have on their websites.

• SOM Job Openings — Lists open positions with the State of Michigan.

Consumers who have a complaint, or believe they have been the victim of a scam, can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at: Consumer Protection Team at michigan.gov/consumerprotection; via mail at P.O. Box 30213, Lansing, MI 48909. Consumers can also call 517-335-7599, Fax: 517-241-3771, toll free: 877-765-8388 or fill out the online complaint form at secure.ag.state.mi.us/complaints/consumer.aspx.