'Job Offer' Email Scam - September 4, 2018

September 4, 2018

Warning – Email Scammers Extorting Money From Students With An Unsolicited 'Job Offer'

We want to make you aware of an email fraud attempt that may affect you. In this scheme, the student receives an unsolicited “job offer” to their @cougars email address. In some cases, the offer states that the sender is somehow associated with CSUSM. These are generally “work part-time from home” offers. If you agree to the unsolicited offer, it will go something like this:

1. After responding to the initial email, the student agrees to take on a job as an “administrative assistant” or “envelope stuffer” or “shipping clerk,” etc.
2. The student receives a check from the company to redistribute or make purchases (often gift cards).
3. The student deposits the check and makes the purchases.
4. The student sends off the purchased goods (gift cards, etc.) as requested by the person who sent the check.
5. After that, the check bounces or is canceled and now the student’s bank account is negative (overdrawn) and the student is left owing the bank for the purchases made on behalf of their “employer.”
6. The “employer” will have used a fake identity and will have disappeared.

Please don’t respond to these offers. When you receive one, forward it to abuse@csusm.edu. Visit https://www.csusm.edu/security/scams/index.html to see example messages and get information on how to spot these scam emails.