Red Deer RCMP say job seekers targeted in new online scam
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Red Deer RCMP are warning the public about a new scam that involves both online game stores and online job websites.
Police say the scam begins with fraudsters contacting individuals after they’ve posted their resume on popular online job search sites. The fraudster poses as a human resources manager for a multinational consultancy firm, and advises the victim they will send them money. The fraudster sends a cheque for $1250 and requests a picture or screenshot of the amount deposited in the victim’s bank account. The victim is then asked to purchase gift cards to Steam, an online video game store, in $100 and $50 denominations.
“Red Deer RCMP is aware of at least two of these scams that have happened this week. Police remind the public to never give personal or banking information to strangers online or over the phone, even images or screen shots,” they say in a release.
“If the public feels uneasy about an interaction they are having with a potential hiring manager, they should trust their gut and take measures to ensure legitimacy. Measures include asking for their name and contact information and contacting the hiring company to confirm the person works for them.
