SCAM ALERT! Bergen County Job Seeker Loses Cash After Falling for Fake ‘Artist’ Employer Trick!

Glen Rock Police Warn Residents: Never Pay to Start a New Job—Especially if You’re Asked to Buy Supplies or Gift Cards

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Glen Rock NJ, The promise of a new job turned into a financial loss for a Glen Rock resident last week after she fell victim to a common, yet sophisticated, employment scam. Local police are now issuing a strong warning to all job seekers, especially during this time of increased online activity.

The victim reported the incident to the Glen Rock Police Department after realizing she had been duped by a fraudulent online job posting.

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The Scam Unpacked: The Supplies and the Bounced Check

The job scam followed a classic pattern designed to extract money from the hopeful applicant before they realize the employer is fake.

1. The Hook: The victim responded to an online advertisement seeking someone to work for an alleged “artist.”

2. The Ask: The scammer, posing as the employer, quickly instructed the job seeker to make several purchases on their behalf, specifically asking her to buy office supplies and gift cards intended for the “artist’s clients.”

3. The Bait: The victim was told she would be promptly reimbursed for these purchases.

4. The Sting: The scammer sent the victim a check, presumably covering the cost of the supplies plus her first paycheck. However, when the victim attempted to deposit the check, it bounced, leaving her on the hook for the money spent on the supplies and gift cards.

Glen Rock Police have forwarded the details of the fraudulent posting to the Detective Bureau for further investigation.

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Red Flags 🚩: Identifying Common Job Scams

This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the two most common types of job scams identified by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):

1. The Fake Check Scam

This tactic is prevalent in many types of scams, including the one reported in Glen Rock. The scammer sends a check (often for an amount larger than owed) and asks the victim to deposit it and then immediately send some of the money back or use it for purchases. Because banks must make deposited funds available quickly, the victim sends the money before the bank can confirm the check is fake. When the check later bounces, the victim loses all the money they sent or spent.

2. Work-From-Home Scams

These scams lure victims with promises of high pay, flexible hours, and low effort. Instead of making money, victims end up paying for:

• Useless “Starter Kits”

• “Training” or “Certifications”

• Shipping costs for reshipping products (which can involve stolen goods)

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🛡️ How to Protect Yourself from Job Scams

The Federal Trade Commission offers clear advice to job seekers:

• NEVER Pay a Fee to Get a Job: Legitimate employers will never ask you to pay for materials, training, or application fees to begin working.

• Be Wary of Immediate Spending: If an “employer” asks you to immediately purchase supplies, gift cards, or transfer money before you’ve even started working, it is likely a scam.

• Verify Checks: If you receive a check, wait until your bank fully clears the funds (which can take several days) before you spend any of the money or send any back.

• Research the Company: Independently search for the company and the alleged employer’s name, along with the word “scam” or “complaint.”

For more detailed tips, always consult trusted sources like the FTC’s official website.

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