FRAUD ALERT: FBI Warning Job Seekers of Scam

by Robin Slade

Scam

The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) issued a fraud alert regarding a scam that asks job seekers to evaluate wire transfer services. Criminals send cashier’s checks to applicants, who are directed to deposit or cash the checks, retain a portion of the money as payment, and then wire the rest of the funds to a designated recipient.

According to the FBI, “ the problem is the cashier’s checks are counterfeit and victims are left on the hook for the money they wired back to the scammers.” They report that 250 people have filed complaints and most victims owed their banks more than $2,500 after falling victim to the scam.

If you are a victim of a wire-back scam contact local law enforcement and file a report with the IC3 to refer it to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

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