Guelph police situation warning and tricks to stop ‘job supply scams’

The Guelph Police Service said they have recently received incidents of job offer scams.

Alleged scammers, according to a news release, will use advanced tactics to appear legitimate and create a realistic online presence. They may also use a legitimate business name and slightly alter the email address, so they appear legitimate, police said. The scammers generally gather information from employment websites where people have posted their resume.

Scammers appear very friendly, polite and professional and offer an interview through various means including email, video chat or a texting app. Shortly after they will award a person a job, and may ask for things such as banking information, SIN number, a photo and address details, police said.

They will then ask to use a personal bank account to deposit checks and make “payments” to different clients. Police said they allege these payments are usually for equipment or supplies for the company or yourself.

What you can do:

• Know that legitimate business should not ever ask to use a personal bank account for business purposes or transactions with clients.

• Do research on the company, especially online-based companies. Some even have a fraud prevention page on their website. This will provide the legitimate email addresses they use, and other contact information.

• Most legitimate companies will meet in person at least one time; suggest a meeting.

• Never provide credit card or personal banking information for anything other than direct payroll deposits.

• No one will ever have to pay to get a job.

* A recipient of a transfer or bank draft should ensure it clears with the bank prior to withdrawing or transferring funds.

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