Report of Fraudulent Job Postings
Report of Fraudulent Activity
California Bioenergy has learned of recent fraudulent job postings on LinkedIn. The postings are for Junior Graphic Designer positions in San Joaquin and Sweetwater Counties. These posting, and the communications from the scammers if you respond to the postings, impersonate Thomas Perkins, VP of Operations and Vanessa Hyslop, Administrative Manager. However, the e-mails used are:
Fraudulent Emails:
info@calbio-energy.com
vanessa.calbioenergyhirings@gmail.com
vanessa.calbioenergyjob@gmail.com
info.calbioenergyhiring@gmail.com
There may be other fraudulent postings. Please take extra caution in communicating with California Bioenergy personnel. Please note that communications from California Bioenergy personnel be by phone call and an e-mail address with the following structure: [name]@calbioenergy.com.
The Scam
The fraudulent job postings appear to be an illegal scam to obtain personal information, including social security numbers and bank account information, from potential “applicants.” The scammers imposing as California Bioenergy personnel are even conducting interviews via Skype and Google Hangouts. In some instances, the scammers have sent checks to would be “applicants” under the alleged purpose of reimbursing “applicants” for home office equipment. The scammers direct the recipients to deposit the check into a bank account. In other instances, the scammers have asked the “applicant” to deposit money into a bank account to purchase home office equipment that will be provided from a “Preferred Vendor.”
Because the scam involves making people believe they are applying for, and being hired for a job with California Bioenergy, the scam may also involve asking “applicants” to provide personal information, including social security number for employment eligibility verification and bank account information to set up direct deposit wage payments.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has published information to assist individuals in recognizing and avoiding online scams:
How to Spot, Avoid and Report Fake Check Scams
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-fake-check-scams
California Bioenergy has notified the Cyber Fraud Unit of the FTC of the fraudulent posts and communications. However, if you have been impacted by the fraudulent posts, reporting it to the FTC can help the FTC stop the scammers and prevent others from being scammed.
Report a Scam
How to file a Complaint
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/media/video-0054-how-file-complaint
What to Do If You Were Scammed
The FTC has also provided additional recommended steps to take if you have fallen victim to an online scam.
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-fake-check-scams#whattodo
If you have been the victim of this fraudulent scam, you can contact Vanessa at vhyslop@calbioenergy.com to provide additional information to assist California Bioenergy in stopping the fraudulent conduct.
California Bioenergy has notified the Cyber Fraud Unit of the FTC of the fraudulent posts and communications. However, if you have been impacted by the fraudulent posts, reporting it to the FTC can help the FTC stop the scammers and prevent others from being scammed.
