Tipp of the Week: Beware of job offer scams
Hello, Tipp City! Marc the Cop here;
This week was a popular week for job offers.
Job offers? Marc, are you looking for a job? No, I’m retired, and I am too busy at that. However, I have been receiving multiple texts indicating that I had submitted a resume and was being considered for a remote job that requires only 60 minutes of work per day, with a pay range of $300.00 to $900.00 a day! Wow, that sounds too good to be true. That’s because it is!
If you didn’t submit anything, you won't get anything. Like my mother used to say, “Curiosity killed the cat!” Clicking on a link or calling a number only validates what the scammers do.
Job offer scam texts are a growing form of cyber fraud that exploits job seekers’ hopes and financial vulnerabilities. These deceptive messages typically arrive via SMS, WhatsApp, or other messaging platforms, claiming to offer high-paying remote jobs or freelance opportunities. While they may appear legitimate, often using company logos or official-sounding language, they are designed to extract personal information, money, or both from unsuspecting victims.
Scammers craft these messages to be enticing and urgent. They might say, “We found your resume online,” or “You’ve been selected for a part-time remote job paying $300 daily.” Often, they include links to fake websites or ask recipients to respond via WhatsApp or Telegram to continue the conversation. Once engaged, the scammer may pose as a recruiter and conduct a brief, informal interview. Then comes the hook: they may ask for a “registration fee,” bank account details for direct deposit, or encourage you to buy equipment upfront that will supposedly be reimbursed.
One common tactic is to impersonate legitimate companies, such as Amazon, Walmart, or government agencies. Scammers might use stolen logos, fake job postings, or spoofed email addresses to make their offer seem authentic. In some cases, they even create phony job offer letters that closely mimic real ones. This adds credibility and increases the likelihood that the victim will fall for the trap.
Victims who share their information can suffer financial loss, identity theft, or both. Scammers may drain bank accounts, make unauthorized purchases, or use stolen identities to commit further fraud. In addition, the emotional toll on victims can be significant, leading to embarrassment, stress, and a sense of betrayal.
To protect yourself, always verify job offers directly through a company’s official website or career portal. Be cautious of unsolicited messages, especially those that sound too good to be true or pressure you to act quickly. Never send money or provide sensitive information to someone you haven’t verified. Tools like reverse phone lookups and checking email domain authenticity can also help spot a scam.
In conclusion, job offer scam texts exploit hope and financial desperation. Staying informed and cautious is key to avoiding these schemes. When in doubt, it’s better to ignore and report suspicious messages than to risk becoming a victim.
Remember the 9 PM routine! The 9 PM routine is a nightly reminder for residents to remove valuables from their vehicles, lock their vehicle doors, secure their residences, turn on exterior lights, and activate all alarms and security systems.
That is all for this week! Please be safe and care for one another.
I'll see you in church on Sunday!
Sgt. Marc Basye (Ret.)
Do you have a suggestion for the Tip of the Week? Your input is valuable to us. You can email me at Marcthecop@tippgazette.com!
The opinions and statements in this column are those of the author, who is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency. This column is for entertainment purposes only. Persons referred to may be fictional for comedic purposes only.
