Financial Wellness Minute: Job Scams

Vacation Rental Properties, like Vrbo® and Airbnb, recognize the allure of visiting Central Minnesota with our lakes and woods. Many property owners do not live in the area and hire local people to do their housekeeping, yardwork, and general maintenance. Ads for these jobs are now common, but are they real?

• Fraudsters place online ads for jobs. They create convincing job descriptions, invest time with official interviews, and then job offers which all feels legitimate. Don't be fooled, it may not be.
• Once the job is secured, the fraudster may require payments for equipment, training, or uniforms, with a reimbursement promise, usually through a mobile payment app.
• The reimbursement may never arrive or they might mail a check for more than expected and then request some of the money back by money wires, gift cards, or other payment methods (Venmo, Zelle®  Cash App, PayPal, etc.)
• Before filling out any new hire employment paperwork, be cautious if they are asking for a copy of a driver's license, social security number, or bank account number for direct deposit.
• Stop and research the company, contact the Minnesota Secretary of State, or reach out to the Better Business Bureau to verify the legitimacy.

Sometimes these jobs are genuine and can be a great opportunity. Want to know more or have a weekly financial wellness tip sent to you? Sign up below or, contact your local Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union Office. Sign Up for a Weekly Financial Wellness Tip Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA and we are an equal housing lender.