MONROE COUNTY, Ga. — A Georgia sheriff’s office is warning people to be on alert for a new scam targeting the unemployed and those looking for a new job.

The Monroe County sheriff’s office posted on its Facebook page about the scam which they call “creative.” They’ve received several reports recently.

Here’s how the scam works, according to the sheriff’s office:

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The scam is advertised as a “work from home job opportunity” posted on Facebook Marketplace and Yard Sale Pages. One “job opportunity,” that is being advertised is for a business called Conduent Company, which is a legitimate business. If you message the post, you will be sent very convincing details of the “job opportunity.” If you tell them you are interested, you will be sent to message the company’s “Human Resource Representative” through the messaging app, Hangouts. You will be given a “job interview,” which is very similar to legitimate online job interviews. You will be told that they will provide all of the equipment you will need for the job. You will also be sent a website link that will take you to the legitimate Conduent website, which makes this scam look even more believable. You will then be asked for a photo of your driver’s license, Social Security Number, bank account number, and bank log in information for “payroll and other hiring documentation.” They will then log in to your bank account and deposit a large sum of money via credit mobile deposit. This deposit will be done with a fraudulent check, which the bank will likely take several days to flag. However, the funds will likely show available the day after deposit. You will then be demanded to return the funds because, “its their money, you can’t keep it, you are stealing from them, they have all of your personal information, and they will use your information.” They will demand that the funds be paid back via a money transfer app called Zelle or by gift cards.

If you send the money back, it will appear as if “their money” has been returned and you have not lost any money. However, after a few days, the amount of money that they “transferred” into your account will be withdrawn, and the “check” that they sent will be fraudulent. This means that if you “return their money,” you will lose the entire amount of your own money, that you “pay them back.” The bank will likely hold you responsible for this as you voluntarily gave the money.

The sheriff’s office also released information on how to prevent this scam:

If you apply for a job online, make sure to research and call the company directly. Avoid giving any personal information or any banking information to anyone online or over the phone, unless you can verify that it is not a scam.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

If you do fall victim to this scam and are demanded to pay the money back, do not send gift cards or transfer money. Call the Sheriff’s Office at 478-994-7010 to report it. Notify your bank and let them know what is going on.

©2021 Cox Media Group