Scammers are targeting job-seekers who use online services to find work, according to an email alert from WorkSource Washington.
WorkSource says the scammer sends an email including a link to a job interview via Yahoo Instant Messenger. Eventually, the scammer sends fraudulent checks or money orders to the job-seeker.
The seeker is told to cash the check, keep a percentage and send the remainder back. When the bank finds out the check was fraudulent, the funds are subtracted from the victim’s account.
WorkSource says people shouldn’t respond to these types of messages. If they are the victim of the scam or other email fraud, they should report it to local police. Online reports can be filed at the FBI Internet Crimes division at www.ic3.gov or at WorkSource, https://fortress.wa.gov/esd/worksource/Feedback.aspx.
