Windsor police have urged those seeking job opportunities to exercise caution after a rise in reports about potential scams.
The Financial Crimes Unit recently became aware of one victim. Police say the person went to a job website that turned out to be fraudulent.
The victim was talked into investing in a cryptocurrency application. Over time, the victim sent off $52,000.
It turned out that the website domain was not in Canada, as the victim thought, but in Singapore.
Police are asking people to research before responding to any online job posting.
"Conduct independent research prior to engaging in the transaction," read the Financial Crime Unit's official webpage. "Search the names and addresses on the internet for reports or complaints against the company or person."
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, victims may be contacted via email, Messenger, WhatsApp, or text after submitting a resume or an inquiry about a job. Dishonest businesses may use the name of a legitimate company to gain trust and offer an opportunity.
"You might receive a small payment or commission to convince you that the job is legitimate," read the CAFC's webpage. "Scammers will then tell you you can earn higher commissions or 'move up a level' by boosting more products, but you need to pay fees to gain access to the additional work."
Victims may also be asked to recruit others to get higher payments, but the CAFC said that is a likely pyramid scheme.
Windsor police say that if you have been a victim of an online job scam, call the non-emergency number at (519) 258-6111. You may also contact the Financial Crimes Unit directly at (519) 255-6700, ext. 4330.