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  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 13, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: app optimization, , , job scam, product boosting, , task scam,   

    FTC Warns of “Task Scams” 

    FTC Warns of "Task Scams"

    By Greg Collier

    The digital age has brought countless opportunities for remote work, but it has also opened the door to sophisticated scams that exploit jobseekers. According to new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) data, online job scams, especially those known as ‘task scams’, have seen a sharp rise, accompanied by devastating financial losses for victims.

    Task scams, a relatively new phenomenon, have surged dramatically in recent years. In 2020, there were no reported cases of these scams, but by 2023, reports had climbed to 5,000. In the first half of 2024 alone, reports skyrocketed to approximately 20,000. In just the first six months of 2024, reported losses to job scams exceeded $220 million, with task scams estimated to account for nearly 40% of those cases.

    The mechanics of task scams are alarmingly deceptive. They often begin with an unsolicited message via text or messaging apps, offering vague opportunities to earn money online. Respondents are typically introduced to tasks such as ‘app optimization’ or ‘product boosting’. To build trust, victims may receive small payouts for initial tasks, giving the impression of a legitimate arrangement. However, the scam escalates when victims are asked to invest their own money, typically in cryptocurrency, to complete additional tasks, with promises of higher returns. Once the money is sent, it is never recovered.

    The FTC’s data underscores the urgency of staying wary of these scams. Consumers are advised to be wary of unsolicited messages offering vague job opportunities. Legitimate employers rarely initiate contact through text or messaging apps, and no credible job will require payment to receive payment. Additionally, offers to rate or ‘like’ online content for compensation should be treated with skepticism, as they are often illegal and a hallmark of fraudulent schemes.

    As job scams evolve in scale and sophistication, raising awareness is critical. By understanding the tactics employed by scammers and recognizing the warning signs, individuals can better protect themselves from falling victim to these predatory schemes. While technology has revolutionized the job market, it also calls for heightened caution to navigate its risks safely.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 27, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , job scam, , ,   

    Remote Work Scams Ahead of the Holidays 

    Remote Work Scams Ahead of the Holidays

    By Greg Collier

    As the holiday season approaches, the promise of extra income can be especially appealing. Many people turn to remote work opportunities to help ease financial pressures, whether it’s for gifts, travel, or simply to make ends meet. Unfortunately, this is also a time when scammers ramp up their efforts, preying on people’s hopes for quick and easy earnings. Experts from the Better Business Bureau are raising awareness about a surge in remote work scams designed to exploit these very desires.

    These scams often begin with an unsolicited email or text message offering a too-good-to-be-true opportunity. The job descriptions are enticingly simple, promising significant pay for minimal effort. While it may seem harmless to explore such offers, experts urge caution, particularly if the contact is unexpected or if you haven’t applied for any jobs recently.

    Scammers frequently pose as representatives of legitimate companies, but there are red flags to watch for. Verifying the identity of the person contacting you is essential. A quick internet search of the company’s contact methods can often reveal inconsistencies or outright fraud. If the outreach seems out of the blue or bypasses standard hiring processes, it’s a sign to proceed with skepticism.

    Some schemes involve asking for upfront payments to cover ‘training’ or ‘equipment’, which then snowball into additional financial requests under various pretexts. These payments often add up to substantial losses before victims realize they’ve been duped.

    Certain groups are at higher risk, including college students seeking flexible ways to earn money and older adults who may be more trusting. However, no one is immune. The advanced tools available to scammers today, ranging from fake job postings to sophisticated phishing emails, make it easier than ever for them to appear credible.

    If you suspect a remote job offer may be a scam, it’s crucial to take a step back. Reach out to the company directly using verified contact information to confirm the job’s legitimacy. Resources like the Better Business Bureau’s scam tracker can also help identify patterns of fraudulent activity. Reporting scams helps protect others and ensures that fraudulent activity is monitored and addressed.

    The allure of extra income during the holidays can cloud judgment, but taking time to research and verify opportunities is essential. In today’s digital landscape, caution is the best defense against falling victim to these scams. Whether through consulting trusted resources or simply slowing down to assess the situation, small precautions can go a long way in safeguarding your finances and peace of mind this season.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 24, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: job scam, , , ,   

    The Hidden Dangers of Reshipping Scams 

    The Hidden Dangers of Reshipping Scams

    By Greg Collier

    Reshipping scams have surfaced as a deceptive scheme, preying on individuals seeking flexible, work-from-home opportunities. These scams often begin with a seemingly simple email or text message offering a job involving the reshipping of packages. Victims are promised payment or shipping fees in exchange for their participation, making the offer appear legitimate. However, these operations often conceal significant risks beneath their surface.

    The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has recently issued a warning about this scam, alerting consumers to the potential dangers involved. Once participants accept the job, packages begin arriving at their homes. They are instructed to remove the original shipping labels, replace them with new ones, and forward the items to various addresses. In some cases, participants may also be asked to repackage contents or separate items for individual shipment, unknowingly becoming a part of a broader fraudulent operation.

    Many of the packages involved contain stolen or illegal merchandise, turning participants into unintentional couriers of contraband. Even more concerning is the possibility that scammers may direct participants to falsify shipping documents to bypass U.S. customs. Anyone who willingly alters or forges documentation faces the risk of criminal prosecution, as these actions are viewed as a violation of federal law. Authorities often hold individuals accountable for such involvement, regardless of whether they were fully aware of the scam’s true nature.

    These scams exploit the trust and goodwill of unsuspecting individuals, leaving many not only unpaid but also vulnerable to legal repercussions. The risks extend beyond financial loss, as law enforcement may view participants as complicit in criminal activities.

    The BBB urges consumers to be cautious when receiving unexpected job offers, especially those sent through text messages or emails. Verifying the legitimacy of these offers and avoiding requests for personal information or upfront payment can protect individuals from falling victim to these schemes. Those who believe they have been targeted by a reshipping scam should report the incident to the BBB and contact their financial institution to mitigate any potential losses.

    Reshipping scams are more than just empty promises, they are dangerous schemes that can have lasting legal and financial consequences. Early detection is essential to avoid becoming entangled in these deceptive operations.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 21, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , appointment setter, , job scam,   

    Appointment Setter Job Scams: A Social Media Threat 

    By Greg Collier

    In today’s job market, work-from-home opportunities seem to offer the perfect solution for those seeking flexibility and financial stability. But not all of these opportunities are as promising as they appear. A new scam targeting job seekers has emerged: fake appointment setter jobs. Advertised on social media, these scams lure people with the promise of high income, only to trap them with upfront fees and deceptive promises.

    An appointment setter is a legitimate position in which employees schedule meetings between a company’s sales staff and potential clients. The job’s goal is to help close deals by organizing appointments efficiently. Typical compensation includes hourly pay with occasional bonuses for successfully setting high-quality appointments. Importantly, legitimate companies provide any necessary job training at no cost to their employees.

    While appointment setter jobs do exist, scammers have started to hijack the concept, exploiting unsuspecting job seekers. Ads promoting these roles claim you can earn significant money from home, but there are a few telltale signs that the offer might not be genuine.

    Real appointment-setting jobs offer modest pay, with potential bonuses based on performance. Ads that promise exorbitant earnings are likely too good to be true. No legitimate employer will ask you to pay for training. If the job offer requires thousands of dollars upfront for training, it’s a scam. Scammers often claim that paying for training guarantees a job, but legitimate companies never make such promises. Some scams present the position as a business opportunity, asking participants to recruit others or sell services, making it seem more like a pyramid scheme than a job.

    Before accepting any job offer, especially one found on social media, follow these steps to avoid falling into a scam. Take your time and consult someone you trust. Scammers often pressure victims to act quickly to avoid missing out.

    Search online for the company’s name along with words like ‘scam’ or ‘complaint’. Also, check with your state attorney general’s office for any complaints. A lack of complaints doesn’t necessarily mean the company is legitimate, but it’s a useful starting point. Be skeptical of success stories as they may be fabricated, with positive reviews potentially originating from fake profiles.

    The allure of easy money and flexible hours can make job seekers vulnerable to scams like fake appointment setter roles. Knowing how legitimate jobs operate and understanding the tactics scammers use are essential to protecting yourself. Do your research, and trust your instincts. If a job offer feels off, especially one that asks for money upfront, it’s probably not the opportunity it claims to be.

    Scammers are constantly evolving their schemes, but with the right knowledge and caution, you can outsmart them and avoid falling victim to fraudulent job offers.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 24, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , job scam, ,   

    Car Wrap Scam: A Costly Tempting Offer 

    Car Wrap Scam: A Costly Tempting Offer

    By Greg Collier

    A deceptive scam has been quietly circulating for years, continuing to claim unsuspecting victims. It begins with what seems like a straightforward offer, get paid for letting a company advertise on your car while you drive around. The idea of easy money might be appealing, but this so-called opportunity is actually a financial trap that could leave you thousands of dollars in debt.

    The scam typically starts with an ad online, offering to turn your vehicle into a rolling billboard. The pitch is simple: allow a company to wrap your car with their brand, and you’ll be paid weekly for just driving around as you normally would. The promise of several hundred dollars per week for a few months can seem irresistible.

    Once you respond to the offer, you receive a check for a few thousand dollars, with instructions to deposit it and wire part of the money to an installer who will wrap your vehicle. This is where the real scam begins. The check is fake, but by the time your bank realizes this, you’ve already wired the scammer the money, leaving you on the hook for the full amount. Sometimes, they even ask for payment in gift cards, a hallmark of scam operations because of the difficulty in tracing them.

    It’s easy to see how this scam claims victims. The checks are often convincing, and the idea of making quick, easy money can be appealing. However, like many scams, it preys on trust and the desire for financial gain, leaving victims not only out of pocket but potentially dealing with bounced check fees and other financial fallout.

    Avoid becoming a victim by steering clear of similar unsolicited offers, and always be cautious when asked to deposit a check and send money or gift cards in return.

    Remember, no legitimate business will ever ask you to pay for services like vehicle wrapping in advance or request payment through gift cards. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay informed, and always verify opportunities before parting with your money.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 6, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , job scam, , ,   

    Victim Kidnapped and Forced to Scam Others 

    By Greg Collier

    Victims of a cryptocurrency scam known as “pig butchering” are coming forward to share their experiences, aiming to protect others from falling into the same trap. While many focus on the financial losses suffered by victims, the human toll runs even deeper, with some individuals forced into scamming others.

    The term “pig butchering” describes how scammers gradually build trust with their targets, encouraging small investments that appear to yield quick returns. As confidence grows, victims are convinced to invest larger amounts—often their life savings—before the scammers vanish, leaving their victims devastated.

    One especially tragic aspect of this scheme involves individuals who are not only victims of fraud but also of human trafficking. One woman, believing she had secured a legitimate job abroad, was instead kidnapped and forced to work for the very scammers behind these cons. After arriving at what she thought was a job location, her passport was confiscated, her phone disabled, and she was imprisoned in a compound where she was coerced into scamming others.

    She described being trapped for months, made to impersonate different personas to convince others to invest in fake cryptocurrency schemes. Her captors monitored every move, ensuring she remained compliant. The conditions were harsh, and she was forced to work long hours, manipulating people into handing over their savings. Despite the physical and emotional strain, she was left with no choice but to continue under constant threat.

    While the financial losses from these scams are staggering, there are unseen victims like this woman, whose stories rarely make headlines. The scale of the operation is global, with money often funneled to foreign countries, making it difficult for law enforcement to recover the stolen funds or dismantle the operations behind them.

    This darker side of the crypto scam world highlights how far-reaching and damaging these schemes have become. Beyond the financial devastation experienced by victims, human trafficking and forced participation in scams add another layer of exploitation to an already harmful crime.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 5, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: corporate espionage, , job scam, North Korea,   

    FBI Warns of North Korean Fake Job Scams 

    By Greg Collier

    North Korean hackers have been employing increasingly sophisticated and destructive methods to steal financial assets, as highlighted by a recent FBI warning. These malicious actors have been targeting businesses, particularly in the decentralized finance and cryptocurrency sectors, through highly tailored social engineering campaigns. By impersonating professional contacts and creating convincing fake scenarios, they lure victims into compromising situations, making it difficult for even the most cybersecurity-savvy individuals to detect the scam.

    The attacks begin with thorough pre-operational research, where hackers scour social media and professional networking platforms to gather detailed information about their targets. This enables them to craft highly personalized messages and offers, making the scams appear legitimate. Often, these include job offers from what seem to be reputable recruiting firms or technology companies, which are designed to build trust with the victim.

    Once the hackers establish rapport, they move to the next stage of their scheme—sending malware disguised as pre-employment tasks, employment offers, or even video conference invitations. When victims download these malicious files, the hackers gain access to the company’s network, allowing them to steal cryptocurrency and other digital financial products. These attacks have reportedly been ongoing for several months, though the FBI did not specify the total amount stolen.

    The FBI has emphasized that North Korean cyber actors remain a persistent threat, especially for organizations handling large volumes of cryptocurrency. The agency advises businesses to be wary of unsolicited offers, especially those promising unrealistically high compensation, and to be cautious about requests to download unfamiliar applications or move conversations to non-professional platforms.

    As the digital world continues to evolve, these tactics are likely to grow even more intricate, reinforcing the need for constant attention in the face of emerging threats.

     

  • Geebo 8:01 am on August 15, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , job scam, ,   

    Zelle wouldn’t help until the media got involved 

    By Greg Collier

    When digital payments are becoming the norm, it’s easy to assume that services like Zelle offer the same protections as credit cards. But one Tucson resident learned the hard way that this isn’t always the case.

    It all started with a text message from a recruiter claiming to represent a prominent international technology company. The offer seemed legitimate, with a formal interview conducted via text. But there was a catch. The jobseeker was asked to send $950 for remote work equipment. Trusting the process, he transferred the money through Zelle, expecting to start his new job soon after.

    However, as the days passed, it became clear that the job wasn’t real. He had fallen victim to a scam, losing nearly a thousand dollars in the process.

    Realizing he had been scammed, the man contacted his bank, hoping they could help him reverse the transaction. To his dismay, the bank declined his request. Their reasoning? The payment had been authorized, meaning it was processed exactly as he intended. Because he had willingly sent the money through Zelle, they claimed there was nothing they could do.

    Feeling frustrated and out of options, the man decided to reach out to a local news station. He shared his story, hoping that public attention might help his case. The news team took up the challenge and contacted the bank on his behalf, pushing for a resolution.

    The involvement of the media made a difference. After further review, the bank reconsidered its position. They reversed the transaction and credited the man’s account with the full $950 he had lost.

    To protect yourself, always be wary of any situation that involves sending money to someone you don’t personally know. If something feels off, trust your instincts. And if you find yourself in a similar situation, remember that persistence, and sometimes public attention, can be key to resolving the issue.

    This story underscores a troubling reality. It shouldn’t take the involvement of the media or public pressure to get Zelle or a bank to take action in cases of fraud. Digital payment services should prioritize protecting their users and have mechanisms in place to address scams swiftly and fairly. While this Tucson man was fortunate to recover his funds, it’s a reminder that more robust consumer protections are needed to ensure that others don’t have to fight so hard to reclaim what was wrongfully taken from them.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 14, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , job scam, , ,   

    Protecting yourself from work-from-home fraud 

    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.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on May 23, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , job scam, ,   

    Fake job offers targeting college students 

    By Greg Collier

    In the heart of North Carolina, a college student’s promising summer opportunity turned into a financial nightmare. The student, nearing the completion of her junior year at North Carolina A&T, received what seemed to be a golden opportunity via email. She was offered a paid research position with a weekly salary of $450. The email appeared legitimate, even mentioning a real professor’s name and containing the university’s logo, which made the offer seem trustworthy.

    Despite her attempts to verify the legitimacy of the opportunity, the student fell victim to an elaborate scam. After being “hired,” she received a check for $2,400, purportedly for office supplies necessary for the remote research role. Following instructions, she deposited the check and transferred the money through the payment app Zelle to a supposed sales representative who would provide the supplies. It wasn’t until her bank notified her that the check was fake that she realized she had been swindled. Now, she faces a $2,400 debt to the bank, with no recourse to recover the funds.

    This incident highlights a recurring issue that continues to affect students not only at North Carolina A&T but across the nation. The scam, which impersonates faculty members and advertises too-good-to-be-true job offers, preys on students’ aspirations and financial vulnerabilities.

    To protect against such scams, there are several key warning signs to watch for.

    Genuine job opportunities typically require a formal application process, including interviews. Be wary of offers that come out of the blue, especially if they promise high pay with minimal effort.

    Scrutinize the sender’s email address. In the student’s case, the scammer used a generic email provider rather than an official university address ending in .edu. This is a significant red flag.

    If a job offer involves sending money to a third party or purchasing supplies upfront, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate employers provide the necessary resources directly or reimburse expenses through official channels.

    Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pushing targets to act quickly without due diligence. Take your time to verify any offer thoroughly before committing.

    Students should also be aware of resources available to them for verifying job offers. Universities often provide career services that can help students validate employment opportunities. Additionally, students can report suspicious job offers to their university’s IT department or the Better Business Bureau.

     

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