Denver police warned area job seekers to be aware of a scam targeting them for their personal information and money in a news release.
Police stated in the release that these scam companies reach out to people via text message and ask them to fill out an online job application or ask for upfront payment, with promises to pay it back.
Police highlighted two recent scams that have impacted residents in the release.
One victim contacted by several online scam companies was asked to pay $500 in cryptocurrency. The victim was promised they would be paid back $3,000, which never happened.
Another victim was asked to purchase cryptocurrency and told by scammers they would be paid back double. The scammers gave that victim tax forms to fill out with their sensitive information and convinced them to download software on their phone and computer. The victim lost $8,700.
Police offered these tips from the Federal Trade Commission to avoid scams from a fake recruiting company:
- The company requests an upfront payment.
- They ask for sensitive information early in the hiring process and pressure people to sign up quickly.
- The job descriptions are unspecific.
- The company has little or no online presence.
- They advertise unrealistic earnings and communicate only through email.
The Denver Police Department encourages people who think they are victims of such a scam to contact it at 720-913-2000.
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