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Cobourg Police Service is alerting the community to a recent employment-related fraud aimed at individuals applying for jobs online.
Officers report a resident recently fell victim after submitting a resume through an online job platform and receiving a text from a fraudster posing as a recruiter.
The scammers instructed the individual to purchase cryptocurrency and create online advertisements using personal funds, promising reimbursement through commissions. When the victim attempted to access funds or request payment, communication from the scammers stopped, which is typical in these schemes.
Police remind residents to verify employers before accepting job offers, and to avoid sending money or providing financial information to anyone they have not met in person or confirmed as legitimate. Warning signs include unsolicited job offers via text or email, requests for upfront payment, urgent deadlines, or promises of guaranteed earnings.
Residents are encouraged to research job postings directly on official company websites rather than links from unknown sources. Cobourg Police emphasize that legitimate employers do not require applicants to invest personal money to perform work tasks.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by employment fraud should report the incident to Cobourg Police Service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca. Awareness and caution are key to preventing financial loss and protecting personal information.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
