Job and Unexpected Money Scams

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What is a job and unexpected money scam?

An employment scam is when you are offered a job that requires an upfront payment for training, materials or stock and the job does not exist or you are unable to earn enough to recoup your investment. The fake employer may steal your information by requesting things like a copy of your Driver’s Licence or Passport, as part of the application process.

An unexpected money or winnings scam is when you are asked to pay money up front or give your personal details to receive money or a prize. These scams are also commonly known as inheritance, Nigerian prince, rebate, scratchie, travel prize, lottery or unexpected money scams.

Unexpected money scam example

Frank was sent this SMS text message saying he had received £6,500,000. He had not entered in any competitions but had family who lived in the UK so thought one of them may have entered on his behalf.

He clicked on the link in the SMS text message, which asked him for some additional personal information. It also provided instructions on transferring £250.00 to claim the prize money.

Frank did not receive the prize money and never saw his £250.00 again. He is also worried what the scammers might do with the personal information he provided.

Employment scam example

John was contacted by an employment agency, about an urgent job opening with a company he had not heard of.

John was advised he would be placed in the new role as soon as he completed training, which required an upfront payment of $800. He was reassured he would be reimbursed the money in his first salary payment.

John was keen to get started and transferred the money for the training along with a copy of his drivers’ licence and tax file number as this was explained as a requirement to start the job.

Once payment was made for the “training” there was no further correspondence. The job did not exist, and his money was never recovered.

Money laundering scam example

Regina saw a job advertisement offering a part time role, working from home, and the ability to work flexible hours which seemed to fit her family’s needs.

Regina started out doing administration tasks. After a short time, she was told she was doing well, and the company wanted to expand her role.

The new tasks included receiving and processing payments through her own bank account on behalf of the company, for which she was paid a percentage commission for each payment she made.

Regina did not realise, until she was contacted by the bank about some of the transactions, that funds coming into her account were reported by other financial institutions as having been scammed from others. By Regina forwarding the payments on she was acting as a money mule.

Regina assisted the bank in their investigation by providing details of all previous payments and instructions she had received.

Signs this may be a scam

You have unclaimed inheritance or have won a prize.

If you receive “authentic” looking documents saying you're owed money, an inheritance or you've won a prize, do not give personal details or pay money. Research details on the internet or only call numbers you trust.

Pay for training before starting a new job.

Do not act on instructions to provide extensive personal information or pay for training and starter kits prior to starting your new job. This may be a scam leaving you out of pocket or your identity stolen.

You're required to find other investors/employees to make money.

Do not engage in these types of jobs. This may be an illegal pyramid scheme where profits are mainly made from new people joining the company or system.

Make transfers on a client’s behalf through your own account.

Do not agree to a job that pays commission to make transfers on a client’s behalf via your own account, cash, wire transfers or crypto currencies. This may be money laundering and is a federal crime punishable by imprisonment.

What you can do if you
come across a scam

Let us know

Please report scams or unusual activity immediately to Westpac at 132 032 or +612 9155 7700 (if calling from overseas).
Forward unusual emails to hoax@westpac.com.au or SMS/text messages to 0497 132 032 then delete the email or message.
You can also report all unusual activity to the Australian Cyber Security Centre at cyber.gov.au/report.

Get support and stay in the know

IDCARE provides free, confidential support and guidance to those impacted by fraud, scams, identity theft or compromise. Call them toll-free on 1800 595 160 or visit idcare.org.
Keep up to date on scams by subscribing to the government's scam email alerts from scamwatch.gov.au/subscribe.
Check out our latest scams, for copies of recently reported scams at westpac.com.au/scams.

Things you should know

* Examples are based on one or more real scam reports received by Westpac. For privacy purposes real names have not been used.

This information is general in nature and has been prepared without taking your personal objectives, circumstances and needs into account. You should consider the appropriateness of the information to your own circumstances and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.