Police are warning people about dealing with unknown parties online after a Guelph man lost more than $6,000 through an employment scam.
The victim in his 50s received a message from an unknown sender inviting him to interview for a data entry position, and subsequently participated in an interview by text. Following the ‘interview,’ the man was told he had secured the job but needed specific equipment including a laptop and iPhone.
He received a cheque via email and was told to deposit it to his account using a mobile app, then provided a list of vendors to whom funds should be sent to purchase the required equipment.
Eventually the victim learned the cheques were fraudulent and he had lost $6,245.
Residents are encouraged to be wary of any telephone call, email or text received from a sender not personally known by you, especially if the sender is asking you to take immediate action or provide funds or personal information.
