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Pinellas County Consumer Protection warns of scams targeting federal employees

As the partial shutdown of the federal government continues, it is especially important for furloughed federal workers in Pinellas County to be cautious of fake job listings/offers and fraudulent loans, grants and charity solicitations.

Pinellas County Consumer Protection warns that online employment boards are frequently used for scammers offering fake positions or work-from-home schemes. These scammers will pose as recruiters, contact employment seekers offering positions and often ask for personal information such as Social Security numbers or bank account information to complete the employment process or set up direct deposits.

Beware of the following to avoid falling victim to one of these scams:

  • Avoid recruiters or employers requesting up-front fees or payment for training or materials.
  • Do not accept employment offers from unknown persons or for positions you have not applied for or been to an interview for.
  • Know secret shopper positions and work-from-home offers are more likely to be scams.

Additionally, federal employees should be wary of pre-approved loan or grant offers. Scammers will often call or send fake emails appearing to come from actual financial institutions that ask for personal and banking information under the pretense of depositing the funds into your bank account. You should never provide personal or banking information to unsolicited callers or emails. Instead, contact the financial institutions or lending companies directly.

Charity scammers also take advantage of well-intentioned donors in times of distress like this. Remember, you should never provide your banking, debit card or credit card information to unsolicited persons. If you are considering making a donation, take time to research the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Check-A-Charity database.

We urge you to be cautious with any offers for employment, pre-approved loans or grants and solicitations for donations from likely fraudulent charities.  For more information on these or other types of scams or to file a complaint, contact Consumer Protection at (727) 464-6200 or consumer@pinellas.gov.