Job Offers via Messenger: Stay Alert for Potential Scams
Woman from Meißen District Loses Over 30,000 Euros in Job Scam
A woman from the Meißen district has fallen victim to a job scam, losing over 30,000 Euros in the process. The scam began when she received a job offer from a company called Eva Commerce via WhatsApp.
The job offer promised easy extra income by forwarding orders for well-known companies like Wayfair, eBay, TikTok, or Zalando. The woman, who applied for a work-from-home position on reputable platforms, was subsequently asked to pay for packages, leading to an investment of over 30,000 Euros within days.
Despite her work account showing a balance of over 195,000 USD, the scammers demanded 38,000 Euros for "release" when she tried to withdraw the money. The woman did not receive any income from the job and was left with significant financial loss.
Legal advisor Anett Wagner warns that a job offer via a messaging app should raise suspicion. Wagner also notes that serious employers communicate professionally and clearly, and never ask for upfront payments for job training or equipment.
The Saxony consumer protection center has issued a warning about job offers received via messaging apps or SMS. Other warning signs for potential scams can include unrealistic income promises, upfront payments, or payments in cryptocurrencies.
The woman has filed a police report and sought legal assistance. However, there are no available search results that identify who is behind the company Eva Commerce that defrauded her.
This scam is a reminder to be cautious of job offers received via unconventional methods. It is also important to never pay fees for job training or equipment upfront. If a job offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always do your research and be vigilant to avoid falling victim to similar scams.
