Action 9

Scammers offering jobs too good to be true during coronavirus pandemic

ORLANDO, Fla. — At a time when a record number of Floridians are working at home, Action 9 warns now is the perfect time for scammers to hit residents with work at home offers that are too good to be true.

The basic line of self defense is very simple, if a company wants money before there’s a job, it is a scam.

The ad can show up on a Facebook feed or a direct email with an offer to hire people to work for the company at home.

Read: Gov. DeSantis to issue stay-at-home order in Florida

The “company” will need personal information and it could be identity theft pure and simple, or the company will need an upfront fee for training and supplies.

That is a scam.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, people should never pay money to earn money.

People should always check the company out online linked to the words scam or complaints.

That’s where you’ll find the victims who have already lost money, and never got a job.

Read: Orange County testing site reaches maximum amount of tests given during first day of criteria expansion

There will be a record number of legitimate work at home jobs in the weeks and months ahead.

People can apply without spending any money up front, and they could land a rewarding job at a very difficult time.

Just don’t give scammers the chance to steal money.

Todd Ulrich

Todd Ulrich, WFTV.com

I am WFTV's Action 9 Reporter.