Scam Busters: Targeting the Unemployed

Scam artists aren’t just going after workers' paychecks. With more folks out of work these days, they’re targeting the unemployed , too.

Job seekers who post their resumes online are being tapped, via unsolicited email, by supposed "overseas companies" to act as financial representatives in the U.S.

There are many variations, but essentially this job scam goes as follows: A bogus email offering a part-time work as a "financial manager,"  (or "local agent," "service representative," "CFO assistant," "business services representative" "shipping/receiving clerk," "regional assistant," etc.) is sent, sometimes with a mention or even the logo of a popular job seeking site, such as CareerBuilder.com or Monster.com.

The email, from a supposedly foreign-based company, seeks part-time American job hunters who are willing to process foreign checks, wire transfers or money orders. The emailers try to persuade you to use your bank account to deposit these checks, saying you'll get to keep a percentage (often 10%) of what is deposited.

The catch? According to the Better Business Bureau, instead of making money, unsuspecting job seekers are often duped and lose money. The checks sent are usually fraudulent or stolen. Not only do the criminals get the money wired from the victim’s account, but the victim may also have to repay the bank for the full amount of the bogus check and then possibly faces criminal charges.

Another red flag: These fraudulent companies seeking to "hire" representatives, according to Alison Southwick, a spokeswoman for the Better Business Bureau, often ask for checking account and Social Security numbers before they can start collecting payments. Identity fraud usually follows.