Avoiding identity theft with outdated technologies can make even most passive jobseeker cringe with fear. Technology isn’t only cause, however. Companies that once monitored employees for stealing and padding timecards are now charged with observing personal information of clients from their own employees. Add international outsourcing to mix, and we have potential mix for disaster.

What does all this have to do with your job-search? Conducting a job search using Internet has definitely transformed how jobseekers contact hiring companies. The availability of copying and pasting a text version resume into a form at a company’s website has laid foundation for an easier and more convenient process. No longer does a jobseeker need to spend hours with traditional method of printing and mailing his resume to countless recipients.

With Internet’s convenience, a breeding ground for scam artists continues to grow each year as well. Identity thefts have increased to an overwhelming 10 million cases per year, and many of them are result of phishing — not surprisingly, employment industry is under attack as well.

Phishing is an attempt to extract personal information through what appears to be authentic emails. If you are job searching, an email from a seemingly interested recruiter, for example, may not raise a red flag with you. You may think that contact person and company listed are legitimate, yet looks can be deceiving. Knowing what to look for and how to spot fraud (or potential areas for abuse) can be best deterrent to ensuring you have a safe experience while conducting your job search.

First, be leery of out-of-the-blue employment inquiries. Scammers and spammers follow same patterns. Mass emails are sent to an enormous list of recipients. Not everyone on “hit list” is searching for a new job; however, only a small number of people need to be convinced, or tricked into believing, email is authentic in order for scam to be deemed successful. Ask yourself a series of questions: Did you send your resume to this company? Visit company’s website (type web address into your browser, avoid clicking link in email); upon further examination, are they reputable? How did they hear about you? Call company if necessary. Always proceed with caution when you receive a cold-contact email from someone.

Let’s be honest, no one looks forward to being let go, for any reason, and unemployment isn’t enough to keep most families afloat. People rely on their incomes; therefore, identifying any hint of a layoff is critical to jobseeker survival. Facing unemployment can be daunting, but true test is how you prepare for it with time you’re given.

Unlike days passed, companies rarely announce an upcoming layoff, unless story is leaked and somehow makes six o’clock news. A number of reasons account for these tactics, for example, attitude and dedication of employees oftentimes change once their necks are potentially on chopping block. In addition, private documents may suddenly disappear at hands of disgruntled employees. Companies have too much to lose, so you can understand need to keep a layoff or downsizing hush-hush.

So, how do you learn what’s going on behind your back? Companies doomed with potential layoffs oftentimes drop breadcrumbs before making cuts:

A management or executive-level restructuring, elimination of a second or third shift, and changes in inventory or production levels, are all signs that something is going on. Ask co-workers, particularly those involved with inventory and clients, how things are going. Account managers, for example, will be first to know when a large client won’t be renewing a major contract or if sales have dropped significantly. An inventory and procurement professional will be one to ask whether suppliers have stopped being delivered to due to late or non-payment issues.

Check pulse of local media. Newspapers and business publications can offer a window into financial health of your employer. Stories and articles covering missed contracts or severed business relationships should capture your interest.

Keep in mind, negative indications doesn’t mean you should react hastily. Companies always undergo changes — more so in today’s market. Cutting fat and shifting to lean operations is a necessity to staying profitable and continuing to grow in competitive markets. As companies are being transformed, retraining or cutting back on staff is sometimes unavoidable.