Greg's Corner

Protecting yourself from work-from-home fraud

By Greg Collier

As people search for job opportunities this summer, con artists have been exploiting those looking for work, particularly in the realm of work-from-home jobs. The allure of a high-paying, flexible job can sometimes lead to financial loss or identity theft, as criminals use increasingly sophisticated methods to deceive jobseekers.

Recently, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has received numerous reports of employment scams. These scams often involve phony job postings that appear legitimate, luring unsuspecting individuals into sharing sensitive information or even paying money upfront.

One person from Central Texas recently fell victim to such a scam. She was looking for a part-time work-from-home job and came across a promising listing on a popular employment site. The job seemed legitimate, offering positions in customer service, data input, and administrative assistance. After going through an interview process conducted via email and text, she was informed that she had secured a data processing position.

The scammers provided her with an offer letter, payroll information, and even access to an employee portal. These elements gave the position an appearance of legitimacy. However, as the conversation shifted to setting up her home office, the red flags began to appear. The scammers requested that she purchase office equipment through a specific portal and assured her that she would be reimbursed later. Alarm bells rang when they asked her to photocopy her credit card and send it to them. Fortunately, she trusted her instincts and cut off communication before any financial damage was done.

The BBB warns that work-from-home scams are on the rise, with some fraudsters impersonating real companies, while others create entirely fake ones. A key warning sign is being asked to pay for equipment or other expenses upfront. No legitimate employer will require you to spend your own money before starting a job.

Another common tactic involves sending a check for you to purchase office supplies, only to later claim that they overpaid you and request a refund. This is a classic scam designed to trick victims into sending money before the fraudulent check bounces.

To protect yourself from job scams, be cautious of high-pressure offers that promise quick cash, and be wary of situations where the employer contacts you first. Always research the company thoroughly, and if anything feels off, trust your gut and walk away.

Jobseekers should stay informed and cautious, especially during times of economic uncertainty when scams tend to spike. If you encounter a suspicious job offer, report it to the BBB or the appropriate authorities to help protect others in your community.