In what's becoming an all too familiar story, the Denver Police Department has shed light on yet another job scam that's fleecing hopeful job seekers. In a social media post on Saturday, a concerning incident was reported where an individual was scammed into purchasing office supplies, including a computer after engaging in what appeared to be a legitimate online job interview. The so-called employer had sent the victim a check to cover these costs and had asked the victim to return a portion of the money via mobile wallet apps and gift card redemption codes.
But this story didn't end with the victim getting a new gig and some fancy office gear. After following the employer's instructions, the victim learned the harsh truth when their bank flagged the check as fraudulent. This particular scenario, as outlined by the Denver Police Department, is a classic example of how scammers play on the hopes of job seekers to swindle them out of their hard-earned money.
Denver Police warn that job scammers have a playbook of tricks, including asking victims to cover costs for application or enrollment fees, materials, or even nebulous training expenses. "Remember, if someone wants you to pay a fee or buy something to get work such as office supplies, stop there because this is a sign that it's a scam," as per the Denver Police Department. Scammers thrive on complexity, often making transactions seem legitimate by using real-world items like checks and office supplies to confuse their prey.
And they're quick to move the goalposts, too. In this current climate of remote work and digital convenience, the use of mobile wallets and gift card codes is increasingly common, offering a believable but ultimately deceitful proposition. A scammer's promise of easy money should always be met with skepticism, especially if that promise includes instructions to purchase gift cards or transfer funds. If someone pays you before you've even clocked in a minute of work and asks to buy gift cards with it, heed the Denver Police Department's warning, "It's definitely a scam!"
