ESD job search requirements led to spam texts and MLM scams - how to protect personal info?

omg yes!!!! this is happening to me too!! i applied to like 20 jobs last month and now im getting spammed with texts about "marketing opportunities" that are just door-to-door sales. so annoying. i think indeed and ziprecruiter are selling our info

This is unfortunately common right now. For your ESD job search requirements, I recommend: 1. Use LinkedIn directly through employers' websites when possible 2. Create a Google Voice number specifically for job applications 3. Make a separate email just for job searching 4. Document everything - keep screenshots of suspicious contacts ESD does allow applications through various platforms, not just WorkSource. The key is making sure you can document your activities properly for your weekly claim. Also, be careful with the job search log - make sure you're only reporting legitimate applications.

I work with unemployment cases regularly, and this is a significant problem right now. To clarify ESD's position: they require job search activities but don't endorse or regulate specific job posting sites. For your weekly claim requirements, you can use: - Direct employer websites - WorkSource workshops (these count as activities) - Professional networking events - Industry-specific job boards Each of these methods offers better privacy protection. Make sure you're documenting everything correctly for your job search log. ESD may ask for verification of your activities if you're selected for a job search review.

If you're struggling to reach ESD to ask about this, I finally got through using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They connected me to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes after I'd been trying for days. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 that shows how it works. I was able to ask specifically about job search privacy concerns and they confirmed that you can use any method that lets you properly document your job search activities.

I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS FOR MONTHS! It's infuriating how these predatory companies target the unemployed. I think it's DISGUSTING that the job sites ESD essentially forces us to use are selling our information to these scammers. I've reported this to ESD multiple times and they just shrug it off saying they "don't control third-party websites." Meanwhile, we're the ones dealing with 15+ spam texts a day. How are we supposed to know which contacts are legitimate job opportunities vs. MLM garbage? ESD needs to do better protecting claimants!

I think I have a solution that's working for me. I created a spreadsheet of companies I know are legit in my area and I go directly to their career pages for 2 of my activities each week. For the 3rd, I do a WorkSource virtual workshop. Haven't had any spam since switching to this method 3 weeks ago. ESD has accepted all these activities on my job search log.

my cousin had this happen and ended up at some pyramid scheme "interview" that was actually a group sales pitch lol. but for real tho this is why i always use my junk email for job applications even the legit ones. they ALL sell your info these days its not just the sketchy ones

Just to add a clarification to this discussion: When documenting job search activities for ESD, make sure you're being accurate about the positions you're applying for. If you're selected for a job search review and they find you've been reporting applications to positions that don't match your skills or work history, it could trigger an eligibility issue. For handling spam, I recommend reporting these companies to the FTC as well. There's a form at ReportFraud.ftc.gov specifically for job scams and unwanted texts.