In a recruitment scam, the fraudster entices a victim with the promise of making money, receiving a job, or some other personal benefit. The scammer will ask the victim to open a bank account (or to provide existing account information) and then request ways to access it, such as by sharing online banking credentials and debit card/PIN numbers. Fraudulent checks or transfers are then deposited into the account. The scammer may claim the money is an advance, a loan, an inheritance, payroll, or for other legitimate-sounding purposes. After money is deposited, the scammer will then request that the money be returned to them in cash, check, or electronic transfer. When the fraud is discovered, the fraudster is usually gone, and the victim may be responsible for any financial losses.
How to avoid recruitment scams:
- If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Never agree to open an account or use your own account for someone you don’t know, trust, or have not met in person.
- Do not share your personal or financial information with anyone unless you initiated the contact and know that the contact is legitimate.
- If you are unsure whether a check is fraudulent, do not deposit it into your account. While a financial institution may initially accept the check, there is no guarantee that the funds are good. It can take days, or even weeks, for a check to come back as fraudulent. Do not use those funds unless you are confident the check is legitimate. You are responsible for the checks you deposit.
- Talk with your family about scams like these. If you have teenagers, be aware of what they are doing online, and encourage them to speak to you about any unusual offers they receive from strangers.
- Refuse requests to send money to someone you do not know or have not known for a long time.
- Don’t accept a job that asks you to transfer money using your own bank account.
If you believe you are a victim of a recruitment scam, contact Bethpage immediately at 800-628-7070.
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