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If you’re looking for remote working opportunities in light of coronavirus closures, be on the look out for money mule scams.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, money mule schemes trick people into moving stolen money. By agreeing to the schemes, unknowing consumers could become money mules.
In money mule scams, perpetrators send you money and then direct you to send this money to another person. This movement of money may take place in the form of checks, gift cards or wire transfers.
Often times, schemes are disguised as an online dating or a prize program. However, these schemes can also take the form of work at home job offers.
Have you been the victim of a money mule scheme during the coronavirus? Get legal help by clicking here.
These offers may ask “employees” to transfer money to a “client” or “supplier.” Although this guise may sound legitimate, it could also be a scam to help criminals move stolen money.
“Criminals are good at making up reasons to help them move money. Don’t do it,” the FTC warns. “The money may be from other people they scammed. You may be helping criminals hurt people just like you.”
In light of the coronavirus outbreak, many consumers may find themselves out of a job or temporarily unable to work. COVID-19 is spreading fast and can have significant health consequences for older or at risk groups.
In order to “flatten the curve” many companies have transitioned to remote work or have temporarily closed their doors in an effort to stop the virus from spreading by encouraging their employees to stay home.
Non-grocery retailers around the country have closed their locations or have significantly reduced hours to help control the spread of the virus. Industries such as restaurants and hotels have also seen significant closures.
This can lead many consumers to look for jobs they can do from home during quarantine or self isolation. Unfortunately, money mule scammers may be taking advantage of this trend by increasing the number of scams.
One scam reportedly portrays itself as a “coronavirus relief fund” that collects and transmits donations for relief efforts around the world. The Vasty Health Care Foundation looks legitimate at first glance, claiming to be a non-profit with offices in Nebraska and Quebec.
The website for the “foundation” allegedly contributes to their credibility, containing detailed information about purported relief efforts and explaining that the fund “connects nonprofits, donors and companies in nearly every country around the world.”
However, this fund is reportedly a money mule scam, according to Krebs on Security. Much of the content on the Vasty Healthcare Foundation’s website was allegedly lifted from a legitimate charity – Global Giving.
“We have been contacted by job seekers asking if we are related to some of these job opportunities they’ve been finding on Indeed.com and Monster.com,” Kevin Conroy, chief product officer at GlobalGiving, told Krebs on Security.
“And we always tell them no that’s not from us, and not to cash any checks someone may be giving them in relation to those offers.”
If you suspect a money mule scam, there are a number of things you can do. First, break off contact with the scammers.
If you were previously tricked into moving money, stop doing so.
Immediately afterwards, contact your bank, the wire transfer company, or the gift card company to inform them of the potential scam.
Finally, you can report this misconduct to the FTC.
There are several, legitimate ways people can make money at home if they are concerned about their income during the COVID-19 outbreak. Making valid claims with open settlements is a great way to recover compensation. Consumers can check out Top Class Actions’ open settlement directory to see if they qualify for these awards.
Although some casual online offers are money mule schemes, others are valid. For example, survey, video, or test websites allow consumers to make money in a casual way – compensating people for small tasks such as watching videos or filling out surveys for companies.
If individuals are looking for income replacement rather than a side hustle, they can look into starting an online business, freelancing or finding remote working opportunities with a reputable company.
If you already have a remote working job, or recently secured work from home employment, you may be struggling with the adjustment. Top Class Actions is unique in that most of our operations are virtual. Using our remote working expertise, we’ve compiled a detailed list of tips and tricks which can help you transition smoothly to the world of remote working.
Join a Free Coronavirus Class Action Lawsuit Investigation
If you believe your rights were violated in a way that is directly related to the coronavirus pandemic, you may qualify to join this coronavirus class action lawsuit investigation.
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