Fraudsters multiply with unemployment

The Better Business Bureau of West Florida has issued a warning about various scam artists attempting to take advantage of jobless residents along the Gulf Coast.
With local unemployment rates still exceeding 12% and many people out of work for extended periods, these scams prey on the vulnerable.

“A lot of people are desperate for work and may be grasping for any job, which creates a great opportunity for unethical activity,” says Karen Nalven, president of the BBB's regional office in Clearwater. “Victims can lose hundreds or even thousands of dollars to any number of job-related schemes by not thoroughly researching the job opportunity.”

Here's a quick rundown of seven “red flags” to be wary of in job searches: