PORTLAND, Ore. -- Police say job hunters are being duped by scammers who post fake job advertisements and then break into homes while applicants head to an interview.

Michael Backes said he found an American Airlines customer service job advertisement on Craigslist late last month. Backes sent his resume and, within a week, received an application on American Airlines letterhead and an appointment for an interview.

He said he filled out the form, including his Social Security number, date of birth and home address, and e-mailed it back.

"It looked legit," Backes said. "I didn't think twice as far as sending it to them because I thought it was going truly to American Airlines. Even the e-mail itself was americanairlinescareers.net."

But the "recruiter" wouldn't return phone calls and that's when Backes realized he had been conned.

"First thing I thought about was my credit history, my accounts, just my overall well-being," he said.

Portland police said people across the metro area are reporting the scam.

The scammers set up appointments, officers said, and then break into homes while the applicants try to interview for the fake job.

"Initially, I just felt stupid because you never think you are going to do it," Backes said.

Backes said he alerted police and contacted his creditors. So far, he hasn't been burglarized or become the victim of identity theft.

He said it's sickening to know his personal information is in someone else's hands.

"It's frustrating. But, again … you can't do anything more," Backes said.

Officers said the American Airlines only posts its jobs on its Web site.

The investigation into the scam is ongoing, police said.

Police Warn Of Fake Job Postings, Interviews