Bulletin: New Variation Of Job Scam
2023-08-25
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is seeing an increase in job opportunity frauds. According to victim reports, fraudsters are contacting victims via text message, WhatsApp, email or Messenger after the victim has shared their resume and contact information on job recruitment websites.
Using the names of real companies in Canada, the fraudsters are offering victims freelance job opportunities to “boost” products, apps or videos using software created by the fraudsters. After the victim installs the software and creates an account, they receive “orders” or “tasks” they have to complete. Victims might receive a small payment or commission in order to convince them that the job is legitimate. Victims can earn higher commissions or “move up a level” by boosting more products or videos but need to pay fees to gain access to the additional work.
Victims deposit their funds into crypto accounts or wallets. Victims may also be asked to recruit other victims in order to increase their earnings. Similar to crypto investment scams, victims will see funds in their crypto account, but will not have the ability to withdraw the funds they have deposited and earned.
Warning signs – How to protect yourself
- Be wary when a “company” uses a web-based email address instead of one from their
personalized domain. - Fraudsters will oftentimes slightly alter the domain of a legitimate company in order to convince
victims that they are communicating with a legitimate company. - If you are asked to “boost” apps, videos or merchandise, you will more than likely be providing
fake reviews to fraudulent products. - Be careful when sending cryptocurrency. Once the transaction is completed, it is unlikely to be
reversed. - If you are asked to recruit, remember that pyramid selling is illegal in Canada. It’s a criminal
offense to establish, operate, advertise, or promote a scheme of pyramid selling. - If a job sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Learn more tips and tricks for protecting yourself.
Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local
police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.
If not a victim, you should still report the incident to the CAFC.
Click HERE to see the bulletin from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
