The Fairfax County Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit is warning community members to avoid employment scammers looking to take advantage of job seekers.
Employment scammers post advertisements for fake jobs on common career sites including Indeed, Monster, Careerbuilder and social-media platforms, as well as by e-mails.
These fraudulent postings often appear legitimate at first glance, promising career advancements, flexible schedules and high salaries. But their objective is to get victims to send money, divulge personal information or provide free labor, police said.
People pushing employment scams often:
– Make threats or pressure people to make an immediate decision.The scammers request that victims open bank accounts and initiate wire transfers from banks.
– Ask victims to deposit funds into Bitcoin companies, such as Bitcoin ATM, Coinbase or Gemeni.
– Request that victims withdraw funds in cash and send them via FedEx or UPS.
– Ask for access or passcodes to personal accounts including e-mails, bank accounts, CashApp, Paypal, etc.
– Insists on communicating only via text, WhatsApp or Google Hangouts.
To avoid employment scams, county police recommend that residents:
– Do their own research and verify the legitimacy of the company by looking up their information online, visiting the location in-person or calling the employer through a verified contact number.
– Be cautious of unrealistic offers. Scammers will lure unsuspecting victims with offers such as high pay, immediate hire without interview, flexible hours or guaranteed promotions.
– Never send money. Do not transfer money to a would-be “employer.” Scammers may deposit money into your accounts, likely from another scam victim, to convince you their business is legitimate. Never send money in the form of gift cards or cryptocurrency.
– Never pay employers for the promise of a job. Legitimate employers do not ask you to pay to get a job through any forms, such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, Venmo, Zelle, CashApp, PayPal, etc.
– Educate yourself and others. Be sure to stay informed about common scamming techniques and consider discussing scam awareness with loved ones who may be susceptible to employment scams.
If you suspect a scam or have fallen victim to one in Fairfax County, report it to the police department’s Financial Crimes Unit at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/
If you are unable to file a report on the computer, call the department’s non-emergency line at (703) 691-2131 to have an officer assist you with making a report.