HOUSTON – Amazon's announcement last week that it is boosting pay to $15 an hour for its employees has many job seekers interested in applying with the online retailer. However, it is also giving thieves a good opportunity to prey on those hoping to get hired.
Some people have received emails from fake Amazon human resources representatives, claiming to be hiring people to post product reviews. According to the emails, the position pays up to $6,000 a month, and you can even work from home. It sounds great, but, of course, there's a catch. The emails say you have to pay a $200 enrollment fee before you can start. You pay up and the scammer vanishes.
This kind of employment scam happens with other big-name companies as well, and there are other ways these scammers try to get your money.
Sometimes they may say they need a background check, so they'll ask for your personal information.
They may ask for credit card information or they can send you a check for payday and then they ask you to wire the money back because they claim to have overpaid you. Then, the check was fake and they're actually getting your money.
No legitimate company will ask for a credit card or a direct deposit during the interview process. Amazon does not require payment for any job training.
If you are interested in getting a job at Amazon, you should apply directly to the company at Amazon.jobs.