Police Warn of Rise in Job Scams

Monday, 28 August 2023 10:14

By Linda Morgan

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says it's seeing a jump in freelance job scams

Police in Niagara are warning residents about an increase in job scams.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says it has received a number of calls from people who are being contacted about freelance jobs.

The agency adds fraudsters are contacting victims via text message, WhatsApp, email or Messenger, pretending to represent real Canadian companies.

Victims are told to install software and create an account to help boost product sales.

Once they do this, they are given tasks to complete.

A small payment might be made to convince them the job is legitimate.

Victims then deposit their funds into crypto accounts or wallets, and may be asked to help recruit others.

The money will be seen in their crypto account, but they won't be able to withdraw the money.

The CAFC offers the following tips:

Be wary when a "company" uses a web-based email address instead of one from their personal domain
Fraudsters will oftentimes slightly alter the domain of a legitimate company in order to convince victims they are communicating with a legitimate business
If you're 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 offence to establish, operate, advertise or promote a scheme of pyramid selling.
If a job sounds to good to be true, it probably is.

If you suspect you have been a victim of a scam, you can call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

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