Press
Welcome to Star Security Training’s Inaugural Blog Post!
Our goal in launching a blog is to create informative, actionable content to help the NYS security guards--both newcomers and seasoned vets-- increase their earning potential and advance their careers. Our frontline sources will include hiring managers of NYC’s leading security guard companies and NYS Division of Licensing Services. Here’s are just a few examples of what you can look forward to reading about in coming posts:
✓ Strategies for landing your first security guard job
✓ What hiring managers look for in assessing candidates for both entry-level and managerial positions.
✓ How to “slam dunk” an interview
✓ Navigating past convictions when applying for your license
✓ How to earn more with additional licenses and training
✓ Dedicated posts highlighting different types of security guard jobs
From time to time, we’ll also be conducting online surveys focused on security guard job satisfaction and challenges and sharing those results with you. We hope the blog becomes a part of your monthly reading. We invite you to sign up to receive the posts in your email. Simply fill out and submit our blog sign up form below.
Get Monthly Blog Posts - Sign Up Today! Fill Out and Submit Form Below
Beware of Security Guard Job Placement Scams
What you need to know to avoid being a victim
Criminal minds are always thinking up creative ways to make quick money by taking advantage of people. Scams involving companies advertising phony job placement and training provide plentiful examples. In fact, since June 1, 2017 the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker has received 3,316 filed complaints from individuals in the U.S.–169 of them coming from New York State.
How does a typical security guard job placement and training scam work? The fraudsters start by posting fake jobs on reputable online job sites. The people who apply are contacted by a representative who sets up an “interview meeting.” The meeting can be anywhere such as at an office or local coffee shop. One victim reported an operation that rented space in a large Manhattan office building for its meetings, giving applicants confidence that the business was legitimate. When applicants returned for their follow-up meetings the following week, the company had left, having collected thousands of dollars from victims during the one-week rental period.
At the meeting, different schemes to get your money are presented. Some say you need to pay them for your uniform and “processing fee.” Others say you need to pay them for “security guard training courses” before you can start. The fees can range from $100 to over $1000—whatever they feel they can steal from you—and be paid before the meeting ends (always only cash or money order). Some may even request your social security number so they can run a “security check”, creating opportunities for identity theft.
After you pay them, they tell you where and when to meet, whether for training or an actual job. The locations they give can be actual employers. When applicants show up, they are told that they have never heard of the referral company. For training follow-up, a bogus address is given.
Some tips for you and others you know to avoid being scammed:
- On job websites. Make sure the business is legitimate before sending your resume. Look at its website. Do a search on Better Business Bureau. Avoid companies that use free email services (like @gmail.com, @yahoo.com) instead of a professional business email (one that uses its business name).
- Employment Agencies. Check the company’s license. Most New York employment agencies must be licensed with the New York State Department of Labor. Avoid services that say they can guarantee a job. Read contracts thoroughly before signing.
- Overall. Avoid job offers that require payment for training or uniforms. Never give your bank account or credit card information when applying for a job.
Get more information out the BBB’s post, Beware of Scams That Turn Job Hunters Into Prey. Also check out BBB’s Scam Tracker™️ where you can report scams and read reports from actual victims (type in Employment in type and use “security guard” as keyword to read scams related to security guard employment).