Skip to content
  1. Home
  2. Local News

BBB: Don't fall for a job scam

The Better Business Bureau offers five tips for job seekers.
Better Business Bureau
gettyimages-890751476
GETTY

 

In the first three months of 2023, Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker received reported job scam losses of nearly $840,000 USD, up 250 per cent compared to the same time last year.

As more people search for remote opportunities, scammers are looking to cash in. 

A 2021 BBB study update, Employment Scams: Reports of job scams skyrocket in 2023, examines patterns of reports, reviews dollars lost and interviews affected job seekers to protect the public through education.

Key findings: 

  • Early figures for 2023 show job scam reports nearly tripled compared to the same period last year. 
  • $840,000 USD in losses during the first three months of 2023, which is more than the first nine months of 2022.
  • Median loss of over $1,500 USD during the first quarter of 2023. Some job seekers’ monetary losses totaled tens of thousands of dollars. 
  • Job fraud is the most common type of scam for those ages 18-34.
  • Since 2020, over 700 Scam Tracker reports have referenced Indeed, 288 LinkedIn and 250 Telegram as their first point of contact with fraudsters.
  • “Reshipping scams” where fraudsters trick consumers into buying and shipping expensive electronics appear to be one of the most common job scam types.

Statistics (reported to BBB and CAFC about employment scams):

  • 12,925 BBB Scam Tracker reports with $4.77 million USD in losses (2020-March 2023) 
  • 11,435 reports to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre with $22.2 million CAD in losses (2020-March 2023).

 

Ontario woman scammed by an Amazon imposter

Agatha in Scarborough, Ontario saw a job ad on Facebook. It promised a stable income, the chance for growth, and it was all done from home. Once hired, Agatha was told she would be fulfilling orders and compiling sales data online. Depending on how much work she did, Agatha could make over $100 a day.

Her alleged manager contacted her over Telegram, a messaging application, and taught her how to purchase the cryptocurrency, Tether. Agatha was then sent to a website with Amazon, a BBB Accredited Business, branding to purchase items. Unfortunately, the scammers set up a convincing Amazon clone.

After several days, Agatha began to question why she hadn't been reimbursed for her nearly $13,000 in purchases yet. Her "manager" froze her account and said if she didn't keep working, she would be fired. Agatha reported them to her bank and the police, yet the scammers continue to reach out to her.


BBB has examined employment scams in-depth since 2021. But scammers continue to change their tactics to trick job seekers. In some of the most extreme cases, some people found themselves out tens of thousands of dollars.

BBB's top five tips for job seekers:

  1. Research companies offering jobs at BBB.org. 
  2. Find a number on the business’ website and call to confirm the job or offer is real. 
  3. Check the email address to ensure that it is connected to the company and not a personal “gmail” or “yahoo” address. 
  4. Be cautious providing personal information to unverified recruiters and online applications.
  5. Don’t pay for any training or equipment for a job, unless you can guarantee a reimbursement.

 

Fall for a scam or narrowly avoid one? There is power in telling your story. Report your personal experiences to BBB Scam Tracker, Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or your local police.