Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office warns of scam targeting job seekers

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office warned the public on Thursday of an ongoing recruitment scam. According to the sheriff’s office, the scammers use a fraudulent job posting to solicit people to provide money, banking information and other sensitive details. “These scams can be difficult to recognize because they often appear legitimate,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release. The sheriff’s office provided several warning signs for residents to watch out for if they are to receive a message about a job opening. Tips from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office on recognizing recruitment scams * The initial contact may come from someone claiming to be a recruiter, hiring manager, or talent scout. * The sender may use a generic email address (such as Gmail) instead of an official company email address. For example, the sender’s email address may be [\[email protected\]](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection) instead of [\[email protected\]](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection). Fraudulent email accounts are easy to create and can be quickly discarded once reported. * The scammer may copy legitimate company information, including logos, email signatures, letterheads, phone numbers, or other details to make the offer look real. * The job posting may contain spelling or grammar errors, inconsistencies, or details that do not match the actual company or position. * The position may advertise unusually high pay, flexible hours, remote work, or full-time wages for limited hours. * The interview process may take place entirely through email or text message. The scammer may ask very few questions or ask questions that do not relate to the position. * After offering you the position, the scammer may request payment for training, equipment, software, or other “work-related expenses.” * The scammer may send links or direct you to websites as part of the hiring process. These links can contain malware or provide scammers with your personal and account information. * The scammer may request your banking information, address, or other personal details, claiming they are needed to set up payroll or send your paycheck. * The scammer may send you a check for equipment or other expenses. If the check is deposited and later identified as fraudulent, you may be responsible for reimbursing the bank. The sheriff’s office also advised job seekers to verify the position through the company’s official website or by contacting them directly. It also says to avoid clicking on unknown links or providing personal information until they’ve confirmed the opportunity is legitimate. Copy the Story Link Tagged: [Cumberland County Sheriff's Office](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/cumberland-county-sheriffs-office/), [public service](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/public-service/), [scams](https://www.pressherald.com/tag/scams/) [](https://www.pressherald.com/author/drew-johnson) [Drew JohnsonStaff Writer](https://www.pressherald.com/author/drew-johnson) Drew is the night reporter for the Portland Press Herald. He previously covered South Portland, Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth for the Sentry, Leader and Southern Forecaster. Though he is from Massachusetts,. [More by Drew Johnson](https://www.pressherald.com/author/drew-johnson)