New(ish) scam -
Coquitlam RCMP have issued a warning to users of professional social networking websites like LinkedIn.
A 57-year-old Coquitlam man is out a “substantial” amount of money after he accepted a job online as a regional agent for a collections agency.
After accepting the job, the victim started to receive cheques for past due payments from a Toronto-based company.
He deposited the cheques to his own company’s bank account and then wired the money to his “employer’s” bank account, which was overseas.
However, shortly thereafter, the victim received several calls from his bank that the cheques were fraudulent, and he was out a “substantial” amount of money.
Police say users of these social networking sites should be extra vigilant and thoroughly research companies before accepting any employment offers.
“Whether you are an accountant or a business owner, many professionals post their resumes or profiles on one type of professional online network or another. It’s not unusual for potential employers to offer employment opportunities in this manner,” said RCMP Cpl. Jamie Chung. “What happened to our victim was very unfortunate and he did the right thing by reporting it to the police to investigate and so others are aware of this type of scam.”
RCMP issue warning to users of professional social networking websites - BC | Globalnews.ca
Coquitlam RCMP have issued a warning to users of professional social networking websites like LinkedIn.
A 57-year-old Coquitlam man is out a “substantial” amount of money after he accepted a job online as a regional agent for a collections agency.
After accepting the job, the victim started to receive cheques for past due payments from a Toronto-based company.
He deposited the cheques to his own company’s bank account and then wired the money to his “employer’s” bank account, which was overseas.
However, shortly thereafter, the victim received several calls from his bank that the cheques were fraudulent, and he was out a “substantial” amount of money.
Police say users of these social networking sites should be extra vigilant and thoroughly research companies before accepting any employment offers.
“Whether you are an accountant or a business owner, many professionals post their resumes or profiles on one type of professional online network or another. It’s not unusual for potential employers to offer employment opportunities in this manner,” said RCMP Cpl. Jamie Chung. “What happened to our victim was very unfortunate and he did the right thing by reporting it to the police to investigate and so others are aware of this type of scam.”
RCMP issue warning to users of professional social networking websites - BC | Globalnews.ca
