Fraud Scheme When You Become an Accomplice: How to Recognize and Protect Yourself | Business

The expert explains that criminals are constantly looking for ways to legalize money embezzled from companies and private individuals. In such cases, they use third parties to involve them in their activities through fake job advertisements.

Those tempted by them can become so-called money mules. money mule). This is a person who receives money into his bank account from one person and transfers it to another person, or cashes it out and passes it on to fraudsters, often receiving an attractive fee or other benefits.

Personal archive photo/Linas Sadeckas

“Therefore, although a money mule is not an organizer of a financial crime, he becomes an accomplice of criminals, and by allowing other persons to use his account, he risks losing his money as well. All banks consider such reckless behavior risky, therefore they may refuse to carry out monetary operations or transactions, terminate business relations, and a person caught in the traps of criminals may even face legal consequences,” the expert emphasizes.

How to recognize fake job offers?

One key feature is that one of the job functions presented in the ad or during a subsequent interview is related to money transfers. On the other hand, another sign is vaguely defined job functions and no contact person.

“In general, an offer may seem too good to be true.” However, the private person offering the job also often communicates unprofessionally and only online. In addition, you may be asked to provide personal data (such as payment card details) or to pay a registration fee for employment. There is also often pressure to accept the offer immediately”, says L. Sadeckas.

What can fake job ads look like?

One of the possible forms of such a fake job advertisement is offering a certain amount of earnings for viewing YouTube videos and getting likes.

“However, for the opportunity to earn more, you are asked to pay a membership fee or otherwise pay extra. Payment of this fee may result in an abrupt termination of communication. On the other hand, fraudsters may continue to try to extort money, claiming that the tasks were not completed completely or incorrectly, and demanding additional payment for this,” says the Luminor expert.

Another example of a potential fake job ad is telecommuting offers. According to the expert, such offers are usually sent by spam or malicious e-mails. by letters, various internet platforms.

“These offers ask you to use a personal bank account for transfers. It can be claimed that the money is going to charities, invited to become mystery shoppers and, once the funds are collected, transfer them to the appropriate recipient. Monetary bonuses may also be promised for each transfer,” the expert explains.

You should also be alert when dealing with other so-called “job opportunities” or guaranteed employment, says L. Sadeckas.

“Usually, the victim is first contacted by e-mail. by post You may be offered extremely attractive opportunities to start a business or otherwise be guaranteed a job or permanent income. You may be asked to pay in advance for business plans, starting materials, software and to involve other people in the scheme,” emphasizes the Luminor bank expert.

How to protect yourself from fraudsters and avoid falling into their traps?

In this case, according to the expert, one of the most important tips is to simply not accept job offers that directly involve money transfers through your personal bank account. In addition, before responding to a job advertisement, you should take a closer look at the company offering the job and the job itself.

Also, be careful if the potential employer rushes you to take some action or make a decision as soon as possible.

“Also, never disclose information about Internet bank logins, passwords or other confidential information to anyone. For a supposed employer who found you with the help of social networks, such things should not be relevant. If you are not sure about the job advertisement or the requested data, consult with friends or relatives”, advises L. Sadeckas.

If, however, you have fallen into the traps of fraudsters, the expert recommends that you immediately stop any communication with the fraudsters, before saving all information about the alleged employer – contact details, correspondence, etc.

“Also contact your bank as soon as possible and be sure to report the incident to the police.” You can do this on the portal ePoliceafter calling 112 or coming to the nearest police station”, says L. Sadeckas.