(BBB Midwest Plains)
PakNext Inc. is incorporated in Missouri but untraceable; 24 consumers in 15 states report being asked for identification documents, selfies, and banking information
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of the Midwest Plains is warning job seekers about a reshipping employment scam tied to a company calling itself PakNext Inc. BBB has received 24 Scam Tracker reports from consumers in 15 states, most describing being asked to submit W-4 forms, copies of government-issued identification, selfies holding those documents, and banking information for direct deposit as part of the hiring process. The operation shares similarities with Midstate Freight Inc., a reshipping scam BBB reported last month.
BBB has referred the investigation to the Missouri Attorney General's Office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. BBB also emailed all identified victims directly, encouraging them to report their experiences to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and providing the appropriate contact information.
The investigation
PakNext Inc. was reported to BBB on August 20, 2026. Consumers reported being offered work-from-home shipping and logistics positions involving receiving, inspecting, and reshipping packages while submitting identification documents and other personal information. During hiring and onboarding, applicants said they were asked to provide W-4 forms, copies of government-issued identification, selfies holding those documents, and banking information for direct deposit. Some consumers were also directed to create accounts on employee dashboards or package-tracking systems and, in some cases, were asked to pay training or startup fees.
Many consumers reported being hired with minimal screening and later suspected the opportunity was a package mule scam after identifying inconsistencies in the company's hiring process, documentation, or business information. Two victims, one from Oklahoma and one from Illinois, have told BBB they are willing to speak with the media about the investigation.
PakNext Inc. is incorporated with the Missouri Secretary of State, but BBB has been unable to reach the business by phone, email or postal mail. The address listed with the state is an apartment building located across the street from the St. Charles County Executive Office.
The company's website, paknext.com, lists a Kansas City, Missouri, address. However, that address is currently an empty building for rent, which BBB verified with the real estate firm managing the property. The firm confirmed no business is operating from the address.
How the scam works
Job seekers are recruited for remote positions described as package receiving, inspection, and reshipping work performed from home. During onboarding, applicants are asked to hand over W-4 forms, government-issued identification, selfies holding their ID, and banking information for direct deposit, information that can be used for identity theft rather than legitimate employment verification. Some applicants are also asked to pay training or startup fees before work begins.
Tips for consumers
- Be wary of remote jobs that involve receiving and reshipping packages. Legitimate employers rarely hire this way, and reshipping is a common front for fraud and stolen goods.
- Never send photos of your ID or banking information to an employer before verifying legitimacy. Confirm the company is real, reachable, and registered where it claims to operate.
- Verify listed addresses independently. Use a map or street-view tool, and call any business named as a location to confirm affiliation.
- Be suspicious of training or startup fees. Legitimate employers do not require new hires to pay for the privilege of working.
- Research before applying. Check BBB Scam Tracker (bbb.org/scamtracker) for existing reports on a company before providing any personal information.
If you’ve been victimized
- Report the scam to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service by calling (877) 876-2455, option 5, or online at uspis.gov/report.
- Report to the Missouri Attorney General's Office.
- File a report with BBB Scam Tracker at bbb.org/scamtracker.
- If you shared identification or banking information, consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus and monitoring your accounts closely.
For more information on this type of fraud, see the BBB Scam Alert “How a ‘work from home’ reshipping scam is fooling job seekers” at BBB.org/article/scams/18070-scam-alert-how-a-work-from-home-reshipping-scam-is-fooling-job-seekers.