In the midst of this pandemic, the Boston Police Department is warning people about being scammed online while searching for jobs.
"This happens every time there's a national emergency or tragedy," said John Moynihan, a cybersecurity expert and president of Minuteman Governance.
Moynihan says scams happen when people are most vulnerable.
"These type of overtures prey on impulse," he said. "People act in a way that they wouldn't ordinarily act."
Boston Police say any online job asking you to pay money up front is a scam.
"Anytime they ask you to do something, provide something like a login credential, a checking account number, ask you to go open up a bank account, it's always a scam, it's never legitimate," Moynihan said.
The scammers can also send you a stolen check, intending that you cash it and send money back.
Boston Police have a few tips, including:
- Don't respond if a recruiter uses a free email domain (gmail.com; mail.com; etc.).
- Don't provide any personal financial/banking information or establish an account in connection with online employment.
- Don't cash checks from unknown sources.
- Research the company first.
-Don't respond if a recruiter uses a free email domain (gmail.com; mail.com; etc.).
-Don't provide any personal financial/banking information or establish an account in connection with online employment.
-Don't cash checks from unknown sources.
-Research the company first.
If you've been a victim, you're urged to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov.
