Scammers offering fake jobs playing games and writing reviews warns Thames Valley Police

Scammers are offering fake work from home jobs in a new fraud, police are warning.

Victims are sent messages on social media channels such as WhatsApp offering them opportunities to earn without leaving home. But instead of earning cash, they end up with empty bank accounts as part of an advance fee fraud.

Thames Valley Police want people to be alert to the fraudsters’ methods, including earning money from playing games, being told commission will be paid only when a deposit has been made or made via cryptocurrency, or being invited to join a private WhatsApp group for training.

A spokesperson for the force said: “No genuine job opportunity would ask you to write fake reviews for a product or service you have not encountered personally.”

They advise people to be wary of job ads that say a minimum sum of money can be made by running a business, a job is linked to investments, the contact number being a mobile rather than a landline, or the email being a generic web-based one over a company name.

Fraudsters also operate pyramid schemes, which promise payments if a people sign up to the scheme.

Police urge people who are victims to keep any relevant letters, emails, or documents as evidence.

Do not get other people involved.

The spokesperson added: “Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

“Those targeted in this instance have not only lost money but have also ended using their valuable time to work for free as they have not been paid.”

Reports can be made by logging on to Action Fraud's website, www.actionfraud.police.uk , or calling 0300 123 2040.