Beware of unsolicited job offers by text message (Getty)
BBB Scam Tracker has received multiple reports of a job scam involving fake job offers from the same company.
Consumers tell BBB they were contacted by people claiming to be HR reps from WBD Global Streaming inquiring about interviewing them for a job. One consumer said they received the text message out of nowhere from someone named Jasmine Martine. Another consumer said they received a text from Linda Jackson. Both people claim to be HR representatives for the company. Each message promised a large salary with the possibility of earning upwards of $6,000 a month as well as a sign-on bonus.
At first, this “recruiter” seems professional. They claim to have seen your resume on a job search site and want to interview you for a position. But first, you need to message them on WhatsApp.
Typically, in scams such as these, once you begin messaging on WhatsApp, the “recruiter” will send you messages and ask you to complete a few interview questions. After giving you enthusiastic feedback, they will offer you a position with their company. That is followed by an official-looking contract to fill out and sign.
After you sign, the scammer will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and banking information, claiming they need to add you to direct deposit payroll and other company systems. If you provide this sensitive information, you could easily become a victim of identity theft.
Some versions of this scam don’t end there. As a new hire, you are referred to a “training manager” who will help you set up your home office. This person sends you a check to buy a laptop and other supplies. After depositing the check, your contact will say that you were overpaid and need to return a portion of what you deposited. However, the check is a fake, and any funds you “return” to your new employer will be long gone.
How to avoid employment scams:
- Research job offers first. Visit a company’s website and look up their contact information. Verify the company exists and the job posting is real before you interact with a stranger. Do an internet search with the company’s name and the word “scam” to see if anyone has reported a fake job offer. Look on BBB.org to see any unresolved complaints or negative reviews.
- Beware of jobs that involve receiving and returning money. Legitimate companies don’t generally send money to new employees before work is done. They certainly don’t ask you to return funds that you’ve already been paid.
- Be careful with your personal information. Never provide anyone with your personal information until you are sure you can trust them with it. Do all the necessary research before divulging anything personal. Never let someone pressure you into giving up your personal information because it’s a “now or never” offer.
- Watch out for easy hires. If a company claims they want to hire you without meeting you either virtually or in person, and if they don’t conduct a job interview, you’re probably dealing with a scammer.
BBB Serving Canton Region and Greater West Virginia contributed this article.