Scammers have been targeting individuals looking for work-from-home jobs with a fake check scam. Learn how to recognize scams and keep yourself safe from online fraud.

Scammers have been targeting individuals looking for work-from-home jobs with a fake check scam. Learn how to recognize scams and keep yourself safe from online fraud.

The Scam
Fake employers will share job opportunities for typing, stuffing envelopes, being a mystery shopper or processing medical bills. The employer will send a check made out for more than the advertised salary. The employer then asks you to deposit the check and send the rest of the money back to them.

What You Should Do
These tips can help you stay safe from work-from-home scammers:

1. Make sure it’s real. Do your research and make sure the company you are looking to work for is real. Visit the Better Business Bureau’s website and search for the company or employer name.
2. Double-check that check. Don’t accept checks that are written for more than the purchase amount. This is a sign that it’s time to report the suspected scam to Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
3. Get a disclosure document. Under the Federal Trade Commission’s Business Opportunity Rule, employers are required to give you a one-page disclosure document with the business identity, any lawsuits or legal actions involving the company, cancellation or refund policy, whether you or the employer are making the earnings claim and a list of references.

How Verve Can Help

It’s Verve’s goal—in line with our guiding 7 Cooperative Principles—to provide education, training and information to help our members stay financially fit. Verve is committed to keeping our members educated when it comes to their finances by providing details on recent scams and ways to stay safe. Help keep your family and friends safe by sharing this information on work from home scams.