Provincial police in Middlesex County are warning residents about an online employment scam that has already cost one person a couple thousand dollars.
A resident reported the fraud to OPP on Monday afternoon.
Investigators determined the individual had responded to an online job posting on an unnamed social networking site. After being hired into the position, the person was told by their new employer to send a cheque for more than $2,000 to a supplier. The money was sent after which the person realized the job and request were a scam.
Police said this is the second online employment scam report they have received in the past two weeks.
The investigation into both incidents is ongoing.
"Fraud is a multi-billion dollar per year business and modern, tech savvy, fraudsters will do their best to create confusion and chaos during interactions, leading victims to react impulsively and hand over their money," police said. "It is imperative to verify any unsolicited requests before you respond or provide personal information. If you feel pressured, hang up the phone or delete the sender's profile."
Police encourage anyone who has been a victim of fraud to contact them at 1-888-310-1122 or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
