Marketplace, jobs, rentals and romance · stamped JOB SCAM

The "payment assistant" jobJOB SCAM

A real scam people fell for this year, next to the real thing. The numbers mark the three things to check: hover or tap one to see what it tells you.

Safe
✆WhatsApp×
https://web.whatsapp.com/
Sam (roommate)online
Just sent you my half of the rent, $850 by Zelle9:41
Got it, thanks9:42
Can you pay Mr. Ortiz the full $1,700 like always? Thanks!9:42
Type a message
ScamJOB SCAM
✆WhatsApp×
https://web.whatsapp.com/
+1 (929) 555-0164online
Hi Jordan, this is Karen from Brightline Logistics. Welcome to your new payment assistant role!9:41
Thanks! What do I do?9:42
Today $4,850 from a client will land in your bank account. Keep $400 as your pay, then take out the rest and send it as Bitcoin at the ATM in the gas station. Send me a photo of the receipt before 5pm.9:42
Type a message

Always check the request.

A stranger puts $4,850 in your account and wants it sent on as Bitcoin. That money is stolen, and passing it on makes you the one the bank and police come after.

Always checkThe real oneThe scam
1Where it livesIs it the real company's or person's own address or number?

Sam, your roommate, saved in your contacts.

+1 (929) 555-0164, a number you don't know, for a "job" you never applied for.

2What it asks you to doCheck firstDoes it want a password, a payment, a call, or a tap?

Pay your landlord the rent the two of you always pay.

Take a stranger's money out and send it as Bitcoin from an ATM.

3How hard it pushesIs there a deadline, a threat, or a surprise charge?

No rush, the usual rent.

Send it before 5pm, with a photo of the receipt.

RememberNever move money for someone else through your own account. If a "job" pays you to pass money on, you are the scammer's money mule.

Would you have spotted it?

10 pairs like this one, three minutes, a score to share. Then find out who in the family is the easy mark.

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