Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site
We use some essential cookies to make our website work. We’d like to set additional cookies so we can remember your preferences and understand how you use our site.
You can manage your preferences and cookie settings at any time by clicking on “Customise Cookies” below. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our Cookies notice.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Sorry, there was a technical problem. Please try again.
This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.
Cyber criminals are advertising fake jobs on social media platforms as part of a cruel scam to steal people’s money.
Nottinghamshire Police has received a number of reports in recent weeks – with one jobseeker losing more than £10,000.
The scam unravels over a prolonged period and begins when a social media user clicks on an advert for a remote working role.
They then receive a message and, over time, are coerced into signing up for a part-time job where they are required to complete tasks each day.
Examples of the tasks include posting false online reviews in order to diminish or boost a certain product’s rating.
The scam requires the targeted person to pay money to a crypto account, to ‘release’ the daily tasks, and then when 40 tasks are complete, payment for the work can supposedly be withdrawn.
However people have reported carrying out the tasks and then not being able to withdraw any funds as payment.
A man in his 40s, who lives in Nottingham, told officers he was coerced into paying over £10,000 to a crypto account in order to release the daily tasks.
He said he was told he’d be paid a much bigger sum of money after all tasks had been completed.
He contacted police after realising he’d been scammed and is being supported by our Cyber Protect team.
Cyber Protect Officer Kirsty Jackson urged people not to fall for such scams. She said:
“These fake job scams can result in huge financial loss and we’re encouraging people to be vigilant.
“Furthermore, by responding to this type of job advert and following their instructions, you will likely be linked to money laundering activity and any banking facility you have could be closed down, by becoming linked to such criminal activity.
“I’d encourage job seekers to report any suspicious job advertisements to us, or if they feel it necessary, to make a report to Action Fraud.”
Job seekers are advised to adhere to the following advice:
If you have been scammed, incidents should be reported to Action Fraud in the first instance on their website https://www.actionfraud.police.uk or you can call 0300 123 2040 for advice. You can also make a report to Nottinghamshire Police by calling 101 and quoting the Action Fraud reference number.
For more information on how to protect yourself online, please visit: www.eastmidlandscybersecure.co.uk.