Wyndham detectives have cautioned the community to be mindful of commission-based work from home jobs that have seen over a dozen victims scammed of more than $1 million.
Police estimate $1,000,000 has been lost since the start of the year, with victims paying between $2000 to $200,000 in each case.
Police say that scammers use advertising jobs that pay well, such as conducting surveys, reviews and online bookings to lure in victims.
Posing as representatives from well-recognised companies, online shopping platforms and recruitment agencies is said to be one of the ways scammers target members of the community.
After payments are received, typically through cryptocurrency, police say scammers immediately cut contact with victims.
Wyndham Crime Investigation Unit detectives have been investigating 10 reports of this specific nature over the last two months but have seen the trend steadily rise over the last year.
Police say scammers are using a variety of methods to contact victims, either cold calling them via messaging apps or as a result of victims clicking on adverts on social media platforms.
Detective Senior Constable Sean Betts urged vigilance.
“Never enter an arrangement with a company online where you have to pay money to make money – it’s most likely a scam” he said.
Police say that online companies not having any terms and conditions, ABN or privacy policy on their website, request arrangements asking for up front payment via bank transfer, PayID or cryptocurrency are hallmarks of scammers.
To make a confidential report: www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
