Are you on the lookout for IT work? If so, beware of identity thieves who are seizing upon the bad economy to scam job seekers, warns the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC). The organization offers this advice for online job searching:

* Never put your Social Security Number on a resume. Also consider just listing your city and state rather than including your home address.

* Consider the recent security breach of an online job site that exposed resumes and e-mail addresses. Consider a separate e-mail account just for your job search. Including your e-mail address on your resume could invite spam and phishing attacks.

* Vet companies carefully before providing your information. Look the firm up through search tools to learn more and also check with the Better Business Bureau of the State Attorney General.

* Skip any Web site that requires you to pre-register with your personally identifiable information, or asks you to pre-pay to view job listings.

* Keep your computer security up to date, especially before e-mailing resumes or correspondence with an employer. Guard against malware, viruses and Trojans that may be lurking in an attachment you might receive.

* Make sure the person who contacts you actually works for a hiring employer and is not an imposter who has posted an ad pretending to be from the company. Check to see if the URL address matches up.

* Be aware of common job scams such as foreign firms - especially those from Nigeria, Russia, or third-world countries - or any that ask you to open a bank account or work at home.

Check the ITRC for more preventative tips and report any suspicious posting to the Web site involved.

Amy Schurr is the former managing features editor of Network World.