Are you unemployed? You could be the target of this new scam and PJ asks you to see it on the internet before accepting a job

Pessoas em fila no Centro de emprego.

The Judiciary Police (PJ) is warning of a new wave of scams associated with false job offers, aimed mainly at unemployed people or people looking for extra income, with promises of quick earnings and simple tasks.

According to information available on social media, this scheme, known as “Job Scam”, has been proliferating during periods of greater demand for work, exploiting the urgency and vulnerability of those seeking professional opportunities.

One of the most common signs begins with the first contact. Victims are approached directly via SMS or messaging applications such as WhatsApp and Telegram, without any prior application. These messages present job proposals that are considered accessible. Offers come unexpectedly, often with promises of high pay.

The proposals also include low complexity activities. Among the suggested tasks are actions, such as increasing followers on social networks or making online hotel reviews. According to the same source, operations with personal bank accounts can also be requested, such as receiving and transferring money through applications such as MB WAY.

Profile most targeted by scams

Authorities identify the most vulnerable groups. The same source mentions that young people looking for their first job and people in a situation of unemployment are among the main targets of these schemes. This context facilitates the acceptance of proposals and the urgency in finding income can lead to hasty decisions.

Another recurring element is the pressure to decide quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency to prevent victims from verifying the veracity of the proposal. According to the same source, requests to act immediately or accept conditions without analysis are warning signs.

Company verification is essential

The PJ recommends confirmation from the entities involved. It is essential to verify the real existence of the company through the official website and physical contacts. According to the same source, the absence of verifiable information should be seen as an increased risk.

Requests for sensitive information are another relevant indicator. Sharing personal or banking data should be avoided in suspicious contexts. Please also note that any requirement for prior payment must be refused, as it is often used in fraudulent schemes.

Authorities leave practical guidelines for prevention. It is advisable to refuse entry to groups of strangers and avoid clicking on suspicious links. According to the same source, these channels are often used to expand the scheme and reach more victims.

When faced with signs of fraud, the response must be immediate. It is recommended to contact the bank to prevent possible improper transactions and reporting to the authorities must be made as quickly as possible to stop the scheme.

A phenomenon associated with the economic context

The spread of these frauds is linked to the current context. Periods of increased job search tend to be taken advantage of by fraud networks. The schemes are tailored to the victims’ needs, making them more difficult to identify at first glance.

The awareness campaign comes with a clear objective. According to the PJ, the initiative aims to raise awareness of the risks associated with apparently advantageous proposals. The core message involves the need for verification and caution before accepting any job offer received online.

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