Many begin their search for a new career online, especially those who are just entering the workforce at a young age. However, criminals also lurk behind fraudulent job postings. They not only can obtain your sensitive personal information, such as your SSN, date of birth, driver’s license, etc. through the ad, but they can also convince you to commit fraud without evening knowing it!

How does this happen? At first, they may ask you to provide your online banking credentials to them for “direct deposit” or they may simply provide you with a fraudulent check to deposit. Once the deposit of the fraudulent check occurs, they may claim the funds are to be used for the purchase of equipment for the company. From there they will ask you to send funds via a money transfer app, cryptocurrency or even by purchasing gift cards. Once the check returns as fraudulent, this will often result in the victim being on the hook for a severely negative checking account and perhaps even fraud against a financial institution.  

These same tactics are utilized in other scams as well, such as those offering a loan, romance scams, lottery scams, investment scams and even scams where they pose as law enforcement. Never give out your online banking credentials to anyone and think twice before spending money before a check has truly cleared the other institution.

Look for red flags such as cryptocurrency, gift cards, or sending them money online in combination with receiving a check to deposit or asking for your online banking credentials. Consult your financial institution before sending money or giving out information, if you are unsure you are dealing with a scammer or not.

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