Jobless Scams are Number One in the Area
YAKIMA COUNTY AND THE TRI-CITIES--- Jobless scams are driving the most complaints to the Better Business Bureau in Yakima.
"I took them to cash them and the check place told me the checks weren't real. I was wowed," Juliann Ruland told Action News. From bad checks to phishing, people are trying to get IDs and money. They're preying on some of the areas most vulnerable "They were like, could you post your resume?" Ruland continued. She was simply trying to get a job. But a fake business tried to get her money instead. For her, it was a classic check cashing scam where the culprits tried to get her to send money back. "They sent me money orders that were fake, they had me do stuff online that was fake."
"It's hitting all of the age groups, from people just outside of high school all the way to senior citizens," Better Business Bureau Business Consultant, Norma Miller warned. Job-hunting scams, that are usually off the internet, are the number one Better Business Bureau Complaint now in the Tri-Cities and Yakima Valley. Fake businesses are sending bad checks, phishing for your ID and bank account information on applications, and charging bogus fees. "The scammers are getting very good at duplicating websites and using names that are very similar to actual companies," Miller explained.
Now is an important time to verify the business exists before applying. Look for a physical location and phone number and try to apply in-person if you can. "You can check with your state agencies also. Ask the Department of Revenue if they are listed," Miller advised.
And when you post your resumes online, the B.B.B. recommends only listing your e-mail, not your home phone number and address. Be extra cautious now that scammers are looking to cash in on those looking to earn new payroll checks. Never give your social security number, birth date, drivers license, or passport over the internet. Businesses can ask for those later if they need a background check on you, or to fill out tax forms after you started your new job.
"I took them to cash them and the check place told me the checks weren't real. I was wowed," Juliann Ruland told Action News. From bad checks to phishing, people are trying to get IDs and money. They're preying on some of the areas most vulnerable "They were like, could you post your resume?" Ruland continued. She was simply trying to get a job. But a fake business tried to get her money instead. For her, it was a classic check cashing scam where the culprits tried to get her to send money back. "They sent me money orders that were fake, they had me do stuff online that was fake."
"It's hitting all of the age groups, from people just outside of high school all the way to senior citizens," Better Business Bureau Business Consultant, Norma Miller warned. Job-hunting scams, that are usually off the internet, are the number one Better Business Bureau Complaint now in the Tri-Cities and Yakima Valley. Fake businesses are sending bad checks, phishing for your ID and bank account information on applications, and charging bogus fees. "The scammers are getting very good at duplicating websites and using names that are very similar to actual companies," Miller explained.
Now is an important time to verify the business exists before applying. Look for a physical location and phone number and try to apply in-person if you can. "You can check with your state agencies also. Ask the Department of Revenue if they are listed," Miller advised.
And when you post your resumes online, the B.B.B. recommends only listing your e-mail, not your home phone number and address. Be extra cautious now that scammers are looking to cash in on those looking to earn new payroll checks. Never give your social security number, birth date, drivers license, or passport over the internet. Businesses can ask for those later if they need a background check on you, or to fill out tax forms after you started your new job.
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