Job Scams
Scammers advertise jobs through online social media, newspapers, and sometimes on TV. They promise you a job, but what they really want is your money, your personal information, and to steal money from you. Here are a few examples of jobs scams and advice on how to avoid them.
Work-From-Home Job Scams
Many people would like to make money working from home. Scammers know this, so they place ads, often online, claiming that they have jobs where you can make thousands of dollars a month working from home with little time and effort. The job could be anything from reshipping products to selling things to people you know. Sometimes the scammers try to get you interested by saying that you can be your own boss, start your own business, or set your own schedule.
But instead of making money, you end up paying for starter kits, training, or certifications. You might also find that your credit/debit card is charged without your permission, or you get caught up in a fake check scam, where you deposit a check from your new employer, the employer then asks you to send some money back due to “overpayment,” but the check will ultimately bounce, and your financial institution will want you to repay the full amount of the fake check, while the scammers keep the real money you sent them.
If someone offers you a job and claims that you can make a lot of money in a short period of time with little work, that’s almost certainly a scam.
Nanny, Caregiver, and Virtual Personal Assistant Job Scams
Scammers post fake job ads for nannies, caregivers, and virtual assistants on job sites. Or they may send emails that look like they’re from someone in your community. The message might also seem to come from someone who is part of an organization you know, like your college or university. If you apply, the person who hires you might send you a check. They’ll tell you to deposit the check, keep part of the money for your services, and send the rest to someone else. That’s a scam. A legitimate employer will never ask you to do that. The check is fake and will bounce, and your financial institution will want you to repay the full amount of the fake check, while the scammer keeps the real money you sent them. If you get an offer that includes depositing a check and then using some of the money for any reason, that’s a scam.
Mystery Shopper Scams
Getting paid to shop sounds like a dream job. But while some mystery shopping jobs are honest, many are scams. Honest mystery shopping companies won’t ask you to pay for certifications, directories of jobs, or job guarantees. If someone asks you to pay to get a job, that’s a scam. If they want you to deposit a check and send money back, that’s also a sign of a fake check scam.
What To Do if You Paid a Scammer
No matter how you paid- whether it be a debit/credit card, mobile payment, wire transfer, gift card, cash reload card, or cryptocurrency — immediately contact your financial institution and report the fraud. For additional information read What to Do If You Were Scammed.
Report Job Scams to the FTC
If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general.
Find out more about how to avoid scams at ftc.gov/scams.
Safeguard Your Information
- Never provide confidential information, such as Social Security Number or Date of Birth, to someone unless you have initiated the contact.
- If you are contacted by phone or email and asked to confirm your confidential information, do not respond. Contact us immediately at 800-331-6268 or send us a notification on our website: www.tronavalley.com. Do not use the phone number provided in the email correspondence or that the caller provides to you.
- Do not share passwords or your Personal Identification Number (PIN) with anyone.
- When completing online applications or making purchases, ensure the website is utilizing encryption and the page shows as “https”.
- Do not record your Social Security number on a check, traveler’s check, gift certificates, etc., unless required by law.
- Do not share confidential information such as your Date of Birth or Address on social media. Fraudsters can obtain this information and begin to build a “synthetic ID” to commit fraud.
- If possible, go to the United States Postal Service and put your mail in their drop box. We highly recommend not putting it in your mailbox at home as fraudsters can steal your mail and obtain your name, address, routing number, and account number off of your check.
Eliminate Paper
- Utilize electronic options, such as Direct Deposit, eStatements or Bill Pay to reduce paper with your personal information printed on it which could be stolen in the mail.
- Watch for the signs of identity theft such as receiving bills in the mail for things you didn’t authorize.
- Utilize a shredder to render paper bills and statements unreadable.
Secure Your Computer & Mobile Device(s)
- Employ strong passwords and PINs on all devices.
- Engage auto-lock features on devices.
- Change passwords regularly and never share them with anyone.
- Do not allow your computer or mobile device to save passwords.
- Do not click on links embedded in emails or text messages that look suspicious.
- Ensure your device is equipped with Anti-Virus, Firewall, or other computer security features.
- Keep your operating system and software up to date by installing updates as soon as possible.
Spot Phishing Attempts
Criminals “phish” for your personal information. Phishing can take place via phone calls, emails, text messages, visiting your place of business or by directing you to a phony website that claims to be a legitimate business.
Criminals attempt to trick us into believing the communications we are seeing, or hearing, are from someone we can trust. They disguise their emails and text messages to look as though they’re from a legitimate business. Often, they employ some type of scare tactic to entice you to open the communication and/or provide account information. For example, emails and text messages may state they are from:
- UPS claiming there is a “problem with your shipment.”
- A financial institution claiming there is a “problem with your banking account.”
- The Better Business Bureau stating “A complaint has been filed against you.”
- Court system stating that “You have been served with a subpoena.”
Another trick will be to make something sound easy, such as “complete this quick survey.”
If you receive a phone call, email, text message, or visit to your place of business that you question, take the time to validate the communication before taking any action requested. Do not use the contact information provided in the email, text message, or by the individual. Instead, use the number advertised on the company’s statement or website.
Protect Against Malware
Malware is generally a computer virus or spyware intended to harm your computer. Computers become infected with malware through several mechanisms – sharing files on USB drives or DVD’s, opening suspicious e-mail attachments, clicking on links in e-mails, or visiting websites that are themselves infected with malware. Malware can also arrive with downloaded files, such as music or videos from peer-to-peer file sharing networks, or simply by visiting a website that has been hacked and infected.
Any website that is not properly secured can be hacked and infected with malware that could infect your computer. You will not likely receive any warning that malware is being downloaded onto your computer. In most cases, the website owners themselves do not know their sites have fallen victim to dispersing criminal malware.
Don't Become a Money Mule
Money mules are victims who become a middleman for the laundering of illegal or stolen funds. The victim is lured by an easy way to make large sums of money. Criminals then ask for the funds to be sent to another recipient, who is often the criminal. The layering of transactions helps to mask the criminal’s identity. The money mule may keep a commission for performing the transfer or wire. The victims of these scams are often left financially responsible for returning the stolen funds.
Common signs of a money mule scam:
- Overseas companies requesting money transfer agents in the United States.
- Opening new bank accounts to receive money from someone you don’t know.
- Accepting large sums of money into your personal bank account for a new job.
- Transferring or wiring funds out of your personal bank account to people you do not know.
Looking for More Information?
If you are a victim of financial fraud
File a fraud report through the Federal Trade Commission. That's the agency tasked with shutting down scammers. They use these fraud reports to help them build their cases. If you're a victim of identity theft, report your case at IdentityTheft.gov. Consider filing a report with your local law enforcement. They may not investigate your case, but the report could help you dispute fraudulent transactions.
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