Online Employment Scam in the Los Angeles Area NR11390mjf

Los Angeles:  Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Commercial Crimes Division, Metropolitan Financial Section are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect(s) who are engaged in an employment scam using various local area businesses to obtain the personal information of their victims.

Detectives are attempting to identify and stop unknown suspect(s), who, through the internet sent out employment applications posing as employees from local area businesses. Soliciting applicants online is not the protocol of most businesses seeking potential applicants.  The application requests two (2) items from potential applicants which should be considered RED FLAGS.  First, a legitimate business does not request an upfront background fee.  This is not a standard employment process and prospective employees SHOULD NOT pay any fees.  Secondly, applicants should not provide key identification factors on-line; such as a Driver’s License and Social Security Number.  These are key elements which could be used to commit Identify Theft. 

Currently, officials from various businesses have had several persons respond to their office requesting positions for employment that were promised on line.  This is a SCAM and the Department wants to alert the public regarding these potential crimes.  Due to the desperate times and record high unemployment in California, the LAPD recommends caution when applying for employment on-line.

If you or anyone you know has been the victim of Identity Theft after applying for a job over the internet, please make a report at your local police department.   

During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.   Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.