World News

Increase in Job Scams Promising Crypto Payments, Warns Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre


Canadians who recently received a freelance job offer to “boost” a product or an app and be paid with cryptocurrency in exchange may be the next victim of a new scam, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC).

In a bulletin released on Aug. 25, the CAFC warned Canadians that a new type of job scam that promises to pay in the form of cryptocurrency is on the rise.

“Using the names of real companies in Canada, the fraudsters are offering victims freelance job opportunities to ‘boost’ products, apps or videos using software created by the fraudsters,” CAFC said.

Related Stories

Cryptocurrency-Related Scams Cost Victims Five Times More Than Other Internet Crimes in 2022: Study
Police Issue Warning After BC Senior Loses $7.5 Million in Cryptocurrency Scam

“After the victim installs the software and creates an account, they receive ‘orders’ or ‘tasks’ they have to complete. Victims might receive a small payment or commission in order to convince them that the job is legitimate.”

CAFC says victims were also told they could earn higher commissions or “move up a level” by boosting more products or videos but would be required to pay fees to gain access to the additional work.

“Victims deposit their funds into crypto accounts or wallets,” said the centre. “Victims may also be asked to recruit other victims in order to increase their earnings.”

The scam soon comes to light when the victims try to withdraw the funds they have deposited and earned, but couldn’t manage to—even though they “see funds in their crypto account.”

‘Pig Butchering’ Scam

The CAFC says fraudsters target job seekers through a variety of mediums.

“According to victim reports, fraudsters are contacting victims via text message, WhatsApp, email or Messenger after the victim has shared their resume and contact information on job recruitment websites,” said the centre.

Cryptocurrency is increasingly used as a feature by fraudsters to scam their victims, CAFC noted.

In June, the centre issued an alert on the rise of the “pig butchering” scam—an investment scam in which a fraudster first pretends to be interested in a romantic relationship with someone through dating apps or social media.

“After trust is gained, the fraudster will claim that they have been a successful investor in cryptocurrency and can help the victim also make money and ‘get rich,’” the CAFC said.

“Fraudsters use fake online trading platforms and convince victims to transfer funds or cryptocurrency into their trading account.”

Similar to the job opportunity scam, victims realize they have been scammed when they try to withdraw their funds later and are unable to, the centre added.

“The fraudster will do everything it takes to make you think the investment is legitimate and lucrative.”





Source link

TruthUSA

I'm TruthUSA, the author behind TruthUSA News Hub located at https://truthusa.us/. With our One Story at a Time," my aim is to provide you with unbiased and comprehensive news coverage. I dive deep into the latest happenings in the US and global events, and bring you objective stories sourced from reputable sources. My goal is to keep you informed and enlightened, ensuring you have access to the truth. Stay tuned to TruthUSA News Hub to discover the reality behind the headlines and gain a well-rounded perspective on the world.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.