Mom mentioned it in passing. “Kim, I saw an ad — an easy work-from-home job, good pay, just processing payments and reshipping a few packages. They even want to send me a check to get started. A little extra income would be nice.”
Mom, I’m glad you told me first — please don’t reply to that one. A real job doesn’t send you a check before you’ve done anything, and “reshipping packages” or “processing payments” from home is almost always a scam that uses you.
The wish for a little extra income is completely reasonable. Scammers know that, which is why these “jobs” target retirees.
The “employer” hires you fast, with no real interview, for easy work: be a “mystery shopper,” “process payments,” or “reship packages.” Then a check arrives — too much — and you’re told to deposit it and send part back or buy gift cards “for supplies.” That’s the overpayment trick wearing a work uniform: the check bounces, and you’re out the money you sent. The reshipping version is worse — the packages are bought with stolen cards, and you become the person moving stolen goods.
The signs are consistent. A legitimate employer never sends you money before you work, never asks you to buy gift cards, and never has you forward packages or “refund” part of a payment. Real jobs pay you — you never pay them, and you never handle their money through your own account. If an offer is urgent, vague about the actual work, and heavy on moving money or goods, it’s a scam wearing a paycheck.
Kim’s 3 Rules
1. A real job pays you — you never pay it, and it never sends you a check before you’ve worked.
2. Never deposit a “work” check and send part back or buy gift cards. That’s the overpayment scam in disguise.
3. Never reship packages or “process payments” through your own accounts for an employer you’ve never met.
If it already happened
If you deposited a check and sent money or bought gift cards, tell your bank right away — you may be able to limit the damage. Stop all contact with the “employer.” Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and if you reshipped packages, report at ic3.gov too — you’re a victim, and reporting protects you. Keep every message.
Mom deleted the ad and, being Mom, found a real way to keep busy instead — she volunteers two mornings a week at the library now. “Better company,” she says, “and nobody’s mailing me strange checks.”
Kim spent 30 years in computer security and now helps her 80-year-old mom — and you — stay safe online. Got a strange email, text, or call? Ask Kim first.
💡 Have a question for Kim? Use “Questions from readers” just above — Kim answers within the hour. Comments here are for sharing with other members (but Kim reads them too).
Loading comments…