Scammers are targeting people looking for jobs.The Better Business Bureau is getting reports of a job scam with a new twist.How it worksYou get a message that someone wants to hire you. The scammer asks you to download a messaging app, such as Telegram.Once you download the app, you are asked a few interview questions and offered a job.You get an official-looking contract to sign. The scammer asks for your name, address, date of birth and banking information, claiming they need those details to add you to the direct deposit payroll and other company systems.Some versions of the scam don’t end there.The scammer then wants to help you set up a home office, so you get a check. After depositing the check, your contact says you were overpaid, and you have to return a portion of the money you deposited.Of course, the check is fake. The scammer disappears, along with your money.How to avoid the scamHere’s how to avoid becoming a victim of this scam:Research job offers first. Visit a company’s website and look up their contact information. Verify the company exists and that the job posting is real before you interact with a stranger.Beware of jobs that involve receiving and returning money. Legitimate companies don’t generally send money to new employees before work is done.Be careful with your personal information. Never provide anyone with your personal information until you are sure you can trust them with it.
Scammers are targeting people looking for jobs.
The Better Business Bureau is getting reports of a job scam with a new twist.
How it works
You get a message that someone wants to hire you. The scammer asks you to download a messaging app, such as Telegram.
Once you download the app, you are asked a few interview questions and offered a job.
You get an official-looking contract to sign. The scammer asks for your name, address, date of birth and banking information, claiming they need those details to add you to the direct deposit payroll and other company systems.
Some versions of the scam don’t end there.
The scammer then wants to help you set up a home office, so you get a check. After depositing the check, your contact says you were overpaid, and you have to return a portion of the money you deposited.
Of course, the check is fake. The scammer disappears, along with your money.
How to avoid the scam
Here’s how to avoid becoming a victim of this scam:
- Research job offers first. Visit a company’s website and look up their contact information. Verify the company exists and that the job posting is real before you interact with a stranger.
- Beware of jobs that involve receiving and returning money. Legitimate companies don’t generally send money to new employees before work is done.
- Be careful with your personal information. Never provide anyone with your personal information until you are sure you can trust them with it.
