Job seekers are being targeted by a sophisticated scam.
Some victims have lost thousands of dollars in the so-called employment scam.
Cassie Johnson is a stay-at-home mom of three kids.
Recently, she’s been posting her resume on job sites in hopes of getting back into the workforce.
She was excited when she heard back for an executive assistant position with Heartland Payment System.
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“The pull was ‘we need stay at home people because we’re opening up a branch in your area,” said Johnson.
The employer reached out via text message which she admits was odd, but the offer was too good to let go.
“$26 an hour plus benefits,” said Johnson.
The conversation then moved to Google Hangouts. She was then sent a contract and the next day she received a check via FedEx in the amount of $2,650, which she was to use to buy office equipment.
The check came from a company called Neu’s.
“Then it said you’re going to proceed now to your bank ATM deposit in capital letters and that’s when I was like OK,” said Johnson.
Instead of following those instructions, Johnson took the check inside and spoke to a teller who confirmed it was fraudulent.
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Tom Stephens, with the Better Business Bureau of Northeast Florida, said the scam is on the rise.
“Probably nine scams reported in this area in the last three months,” said Stephens.
The BBB says it’s a good idea to check the phone number you’re being called from if you suspect fraud.
“Put that phone number in and put the word scam or put the word review behind that phone number and see what happens,” said Stephens.
Johnson said she had fallen victim to a loan scam not that long ago and was more aware of potential red flags.
She’s taking a break from job hunting for now but eventually wants to seek a job in the corrections field, so she could use her degree in criminal justice.
Johnson had this warning for others who think it can’t happen to them.
“The worst part of it is that it appeals to you, you want it to be real,” said Johnson. “If you’re not dealing with someone one-to-one you need to do your homework.”
Johnson said she called Heartland Payment System and Neu’s to alert them about the scam. She said Neu’s told her they’ve had several people call them about the issue as well.
Cox Media Group
