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  Geebo 9:00 am on February 17, 2026 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: employment ( 46 ), job scam ( 95 ), Scams ( 1,660 ), task scam ( 5 ), work from home   

  The “Random Task Job” Scam: Easy Money That Costs You Everything 

  

  By Greg Collier

  If you’ve received a text, WhatsApp message, Telegram DM, or social media note promising quick cash for doing simple online tasks, stop right there.

  You may be staring at what’s commonly called a random task job scam (also known as a task scam or gamified job scam). It’s one of the fastest-growing online fraud schemes right now, and it’s draining victims’ bank accounts while pretending to offer flexible remote work.

  This scam doesn’t rely on technical hacking. It relies on psychology.

  What Is a Random Task Job Scam?

  A random task job scam is a fake employment scheme where criminals promise easy income for completing small online tasks such as:

  • Liking or rating content
  • Clicking links
  • “Optimizing” apps or products
  • Completing repetitive micro-tasks on a dashboard

  The pitch is always the same: low effort, high pay, work from anywhere.

  But there is no real job.

  According to the Federal Trade Commission, these scams are designed to create the illusion of earnings while slowly maneuvering victims into sending their own money.

  Once that happens, the scammer disappears.

  How the Scam Typically Works

  The process is surprisingly consistent across thousands of reports.

  First comes the unsolicited contact. A stranger reaches out via text message, WhatsApp, Telegram, or social media. They claim to be recruiting on behalf of a company or platform and offer paid “task work.”

  You’re directed to a slick website or app that looks professional enough to pass a casual inspection.

  Next comes the hook.

  You perform a few simple tasks and immediately see money credited to your account. Sometimes you’re even allowed to withdraw a small amount at first. This is intentional. It builds trust and convinces you the system is legitimate.

  Then comes the pivot.

  You’re told you must deposit funds to unlock higher-paying tasks or to complete a “combo” or “bundle.” The payment is almost always requested in cryptocurrency, commonly USDT, because crypto transfers are irreversible.

  Once you send money, the demands escalate. More deposits are required. Withdrawals are suddenly “locked.” Customer support stops responding.

  Your earlier “earnings” were never real.

  They were just numbers on a screen.

  Security researchers at Malwarebytes report that task scams surged dramatically over the past year, driven by organized fraud networks using identical scripts and platforms across multiple countries.

  Why People Fall for It

  This scam is effective because it exploits several human vulnerabilities at once:

  • Financial stress
  • Desire for flexible remote work
  • Trust built through small early payouts
  • Gamification that encourages continued participation
  • Sunk-cost pressure once money has already been sent

  Victims often believe they’re just one payment away from unlocking their balance. That moment never comes.

  By the time reality sets in, the funds are gone.

  The Biggest Red Flags

  • While the details may vary, random task job scams almost always share these warning signs:
  • You are contacted out of the blue about a job.
  • There is no interview, résumé review, or formal hiring process.
  • You’re promised unusually high pay for trivial work.
  • You are asked to pay money to access tasks or withdraw earnings.
  • Payments are requested in cryptocurrency.
  • You’re pressured to act quickly or risk losing your “progress.”

  Legitimate employers do not charge employees to get paid.

  Ever.

  Australia’s national consumer watchdog, Scamwatch, explicitly warns that any job requiring upfront payments is almost certainly fraudulent.

  What to Do If You’re Contacted

  If someone offers you task work through a random message, the safest move is to ignore it entirely.

  Do not click links.

  Do not download apps.

  Do not provide personal information.

  Do not send money.

  If you’ve already interacted with a scammer, stop immediately. Save any evidence and report it to the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov

  If cryptocurrency was involved, also notify your exchange platform, though recovery is unlikely.

  Final Thoughts

  The random task job scam thrives on false hope and artificial urgency. It looks modern, professional, and harmless. But behind the interface is a classic con: convincing people to hand over real money in exchange for imaginary rewards.

  If a stranger offers you easy income for clicking buttons, remember this:

  Real jobs pay you.
  They don’t charge admission.

   

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  Geebo 9:00 am on December 9, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: job scam ( 95 ), repackaging ( 24 ), reshipping ( 25 ), Scams ( 1,660 ), work from home   

  The “Work-From-Home” Job That Turns You Into the Mule 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Every economic slowdown creates opportunity, not just for job seekers but for scammers.

  This time, the bait isn’t a fake investment or a romance pitch. It’s a “work-from-home” job that promises easy money, fast onboarding, and a professional-sounding title while quietly turning you into the middleman of a retail theft operation.

  A Job That Sounds Legitimate and a Role You Never Signed Up For:

  When remote work feels scarce and bills are due, a job offer with no interview, no experience requirements, and minimal effort can feel like a lifeline. Titles like delivery operations specialist or quality control manager sound corporate enough to be real and flexible enough to be believable.

  Federal investigators say that’s exactly the point.

  According to the Federal Trade Commission, these offers are part of reshipping scams that use stolen credit cards and bank accounts to buy high-value merchandise, then pass the legal risk downstream to unsuspecting workers.

  What’s Going On:

  Recruiters reach out claiming to represent a logistics company or recognizable brand like Amazon or FedEx. Soon after, packages begin arriving at your home. They’re often expensive electronics or brand-new consumer goods.

  You’re instructed to open the boxes, discard the original packaging and receipts, and forward the merchandise to a new address, frequently an international one. The work is framed as inspection, quality control, or shipping support.

  Then payday comes. And goes.

  Communication slows, emails stop arriving, and the company disappears. Only later do many victims learn the items were purchased with stolen financial information, and that any personal details shared during “onboarding” may now be compromised as well.

  By then, the scammer is gone. The paper trail leads to you.

  Why It Works:

  Reshipping scams rely on familiarity and routine. Receiving packages feels normal. Printing labels feels harmless. The tasks don’t register as criminal, especially when wrapped in corporate branding and professional language.

  The fraud also thrives on urgency. Victims are nudged to act quickly, discouraged from asking questions, and reassured that everything is standard procedure. The delay between the work and the realization gives scammers time to vanish.

  This isn’t about stealing money directly. It’s about outsourcing exposure.

  Red Flags:

  • Any job where the primary responsibility is forwarding packages from your home.
  • No formal interview, offer letter, or verifiable company presence.
  • Requests for copies of IDs, banking details, or Social Security numbers during onboarding.
  • Vague pay schedules or explanations like “processing periods.”
  • Warnings not to discuss the job with others or pressure to act immediately.

  There’s a reason legitimate employers don’t operate this way.

  Quick Tip: Search the company or recruiter’s name along with words like “scam,” “complaint,” or “review.” If you see reports about missing pay or reshipping goods, walk away. That pause can save months of cleanup.

  What You Can Do:

  • Verify employers independently using official websites and contact information.
  • Talk through job offers with someone you trust before accepting.
  • Never share sensitive personal or financial information unless the employer is unquestionably real.
  • Be skeptical of roles that sound operationally important but offer no transparency.

  Real companies ship from warehouses, not spare bedrooms.

  If You’ve Been Targeted:

  • Visit IdentityTheft.gov to protect your information immediately.
  • Monitor credit reports and financial accounts for unusual activity.
  • Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  • Notify the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov/report.
  • Save emails, shipping labels, and instructions as documentation.

  Even if you never got paid, the harm may already be in motion.

  Final Thoughts:

  Reshipping scams are effective because they don’t feel like scams. They feel like work. They arrive neatly boxed, labeled, and framed as opportunity.

  But no legitimate job requires you to forward stolen goods through your home. If a work-from-home offer turns your living space into a shipping hub, you weren’t hired; you were used.

  Further Reading:

  • Can You Unbox the Signs of a Reshipping Scam? — Federal Trade Commission
  • Job Scams—Federal Trade Commission
  • Report Mail Fraud—U.S. Postal Inspection Service
   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 7, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: employment ( 46 ), job scam ( 95 ), reshipping ( 25 ), Scams ( 1,660 ), work from home   

  Tricked by a Fake Work-From-Home Job 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Work-from-home opportunities can be a lifeline for people who cannot take on traditional employment. The flexibility to earn an income without commuting or meeting rigid schedules has opened new doors for many, especially older adults or those with disabilities. However, this growing market has also become a playground for scammers who exploit that flexibility for their own gain.

  A Houston resident recently learned this the hard way. After being hired to inspect and repackage what appeared to be Amazon shipments, she was promised nearly three thousand dollars in compensation, plus a small bonus for each package she handled. She worked diligently for months, expecting her payday to arrive soon. Instead, the company that hired her simply disappeared, leaving her unpaid and in financial jeopardy.

  The job, as it turns out, was not legitimate. Authorities believe it was part of a “reshipping scam” in which scammers use unsuspecting workers to move goods that were likely obtained through fraudulent means. The purpose is to create layers of shipping activity to conceal the origin of the merchandise. Once the job is done, the fraudulent company vanishes, and the worker is left empty-handed.

  There are few legal remedies in cases like this. Because the business was never real to begin with, there is often no way to pursue back pay or damages. The only real protection lies in awareness and prevention.

  Scams like this highlight the need for caution when applying for remote jobs. Some signs that a work-from-home offer may not be genuine include excessive promises of high pay, a lack of any interview or verification process, or requests for money upfront. Jobs that expect significant work to be completed before issuing any payment also deserve extra scrutiny.

  The loss suffered in this case is more than just financial. The emotional toll of being deceived after months of labor is real and profound. While there may be no way to recover what was lost, stories like this serve as a warning to others navigating the often murky world of online employment.

  Remote work can be legitimate and rewarding. But it requires due diligence. Before accepting any job, especially one that operates entirely online, it’s important to research the company, ask questions, and look for signs that the offer is too good to be true. The best protection against scams is a healthy dose of skepticism and a commitment to verify before committing.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on April 11, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: affiliate marketing ( 3 ), job scam ( 95 ), MLM ( 3 ), remote workers ( 5 ), Scams ( 1,660 ), work from home   

  Remote Job Scams Are the New MLMs 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The surge in work-from-home interest that began during the pandemic has opened the door not just to flexibility and productivity but also to a new wave of deception. As more people search for legitimate ways to earn income from home, scammers have fine-tuned their tactics to prey on those hopes, often dangling absurdly easy job offers that seem too good to be true.

  They usually are.

  One of the more common scams now comes in the form of unsolicited messages claiming that someone’s resume was “recommended” for a position at a remote work company. These offers tend to arrive out of the blue and immediately promise a job without any kind of interview process or background check. What follows is a pitch so unrealistic it should immediately raise alarm bells. Massive monthly paychecks for minimal work, often no more than an hour a day.

  The financial math these scams propose would rival some executive salaries. Offers often boast income figures like $9,000 a month for doing almost nothing. When compared to the average remote worker salary in states like Pennsylvania, which hovers around $58,000 annually, the gap between reality and fantasy becomes impossible to ignore.

  In recent months, many of these scams have evolved into elaborate affiliate marketing schemes. Instead of paying you, they push you to invest in a toolkit or course under the guise of setting you up for success. What you are really doing is handing over money to sell someone else’s course on how to sell courses about selling courses. It is a circular hustle that bears more than a passing resemblance to classic pyramid schemes and multi-level marketing operations.

  The underlying structure is familiar. Make a small investment, promise a high return, and profit only if you can convince others to do the same. But in this case, the product is often nothing more than a vague system for online success, filled with upsells and fine print. The only people making consistent money are the ones at the top of the funnel, not the ones lured in by grand promises and minimal effort.

  Scams like these rely on one simple fact, people want to believe that easy money exists. That they can bypass the traditional job grind and find something that pays well with little commitment. But what these fraudsters offer is not opportunity. It is a trap, one that takes advantage of economic anxiety and the legitimate desire for flexibility.

  In a world where remote work is not going away, the need to scrutinize job offers has never been more important. Real opportunities come with real expectations. If someone tells you that you can earn a six-figure salary for barely lifting a finger, they are not offering employment. They are offering false hope with a price tag.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on December 13, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: app optimization, cryptocurrency ( 63 ), FTC ( 19 ), job scam ( 95 ), product boosting ( 2 ), Scams ( 1,660 ), task scam ( 5 ), work from home   

  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.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on November 27, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: employment ( 46 ), job scam ( 95 ), remote workers ( 5 ), Scams ( 1,660 ), work from home   

  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.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on October 24, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: job scam ( 95 ), repackaging ( 24 ), reshipping ( 25 ), Scams ( 1,660 ), work from home   

  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.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 14, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: employment ( 46 ), job scam ( 95 ), job search ( 9 ), Scams ( 1,660 ), work from home   

  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.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on January 16, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: job scam ( 95 ), repackaging ( 24 ), reshipping ( 25 ), Scams ( 1,660 ), work from home   

  Reshipping scam lands victim in jail 

  

  By Greg Collier

  For some time, we’ve been warning our readers about the reshipping or repackaging scam, and how victims of the scam can run afoul of the law. But first, let’s explain how the scam works.

  The reshipping scam is a type of fraud where scammers recruit individuals, often unwittingly, to receive and reship packages to a different location. The scammers use various tactics to convince people to participate in this scheme, such as fake job offers or work-from-home opportunities.

  Scammers may post job ads or send emails offering individuals the chance to work from home. These offers often promise high salaries and flexible working hours. The job description often details how reshippers receive goods at their home address and act as a quality control agent.

  The scammers provide instructions on how to repackage and forward the received items to another address, often located in a different country. They may claim that it’s part of a global shipping or distribution network, or that they represent a major retailer.

  Unbeknownst to the reshipper, the items they receive and forward are often purchased using stolen credit card information or other fraudulent means. This helps the scammers cover their tracks.

  Victims of the reshipping scam never receive any kind of reimbursement from their supposed employers.

  The real danger of the reshipping scam is that even if the reshipper is unaware of being part of a scam, they can still be arrested for their involvement. One of the ways victims can find themselves in hot water is if they willingly falsify shipping documentation as directed by the scammers to bypass US customs.

  A woman from Toledo, Ohio, was recently arrested for her alleged involvement in a reshipping scam, and she was unaware it was a scam at all. As expected, she applied to a work from home job listing. She was ‘hired’ immediately in an over the phone interview.

  After a month of reshipping, Toledo police officers showed up at her door. It’s unclear what laws she is said to have specifically broken, but she was never paid by her supposed employer. She could have her name cleared and charges dropped later in the investigation, but she did have to post bail. Now, the victim is out of money when she was just trying to provide for her family.

  It’s important for individuals to be cautious about unsolicited job offers, especially those that involve receiving and reshipping packages. Legitimate employers typically do not require employees to use their personal addresses for receiving and forwarding goods. If someone suspects they are involved in a reshipping scam, it’s crucial to cease any involvement immediately and report the incident to authorities.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on November 3, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: check scam ( 85 ), fake check ( 54 ), job scam ( 95 ), Scams ( 1,660 ), work from home   

  Young people fall for this scam more than any other 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Millions of people have checking accounts with their bank. However, they are mostly a checking account in name only. Thanks to the rise of debit cards and online payments, many checking account holders have never written a check in their lives. Even places of employment insist on having employees’ paychecks sent through direct deposit. While many may see this as the natural progression of technological advancement, scammers see it as an opportunity to put one over on younger victims.

  Younger people with no experience in handling paper checks are falling victim to online job scams. Many of these fake jobs are work from home positions. Once a younger person has been ‘hired’, they’re sent a paper check, so they can buy supplies for their new job. The victims are told to deposit the check into their own bank account, and use a specific vendor to purchase their supplies.

  The checks are always stolen or fraudulent. Banks don’t find out the checks are bad until days after being deposited. By then, the victim has already paid the vendor, who is just another part of the scam. When the bank finally catches up with their records, it’s the victim who’s on the hook for the money lost by the bank. With so many young people struggling to make ends meet, this could be a devastating financial loss.

  If you know a young person who is just starting out in the workforce, or one who is between jobs, we ask that you pass on this information to them. No legitimate job will ever send you a check before any work is done. Neither will they ask you to deposit a check into your own bank account to pay for company supplies. Lastly, just because a deposited check appears in your account, that doesn’t mean it’s not a fake.