I got a new job and got a check for $2,400 – but my bank took the money out of my account and now I’m at a loss

A college student was left devastated because she owes her bank more than $2,000 after applying for a job.

Ariana Duval’s money was stolen – even though she was following the instructions given to her.

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Duval, who attends North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, was attracted to a research role offered to students, according to ABC affiliate WTVD-TV.

The weekly salary for the job was US$450 and the successful candidate could gain good experience, according to the description.

Duval was conscious of not falling for a possible scam, so she researched the role.

She had to send a message to a teacher’s Gmail account.

But Duval revealed that the professor’s name was real.

She applied for the role and her application was successful.

Duval then received a check for $2,400 and the money was intended for equipment.

She was then ordered to transfer the funds through Zelle.

But it turned out the check was fake after she sent the money.

This meant his bank account had been emptied of thousands of dollars.

Duval was desperate because she now owes $2,400.

“It’s just a hole I can’t get out of,” she cried.

She described the saga as devastating.

The FBI has warned Americans about common signs associated with employment fraud.

FBI Agents warned that such scams have become more sophisticated.

Top tips to avoid bank scams

As scams become more sophisticated with the use of artificial intelligence, it is important that you know how to identify them:

• Be skeptical of online businesses that seem too good to be true, especially on social media.
• Scammers often use tactics to make you panic so that you make quick decisions – be cautious if you are asked to take immediate action and check who has contacted you.
• Chase Bank warns customers to “never return any unexpected funds without calling Chase first.”
• Never send money to someone you’ve only spoken to online or on the phone, as this is likely a romantic scam.
• Unless you know 100% who you are talking to, never give someone remote access to your device.
• Never accept help from strangers at ATMs and always be careful when making withdrawals.
• Do not send money or click on links that indicate you have won a prize.

Source: Chase.com

This is because fraudsters try to appear convincing and pretend they belong to a legitimate company.

Employers could use personal email accounts instead of company ones.

Alarm bells should ring if the prospective employer conducts an interview that is not in person or via a video conferencing app like Zoom.

Job applicants may be required to purchase equipment before starting.

This is another sign of employment fraud, according to the FBI.

Bank customers should never share their credit card details with alleged employers.

The FBI revealed that more than 16,000 people fell victim to an employment-related scam in 2020.

US Sun approached Zelle for comment.

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