The operators of this scam, posing as employers, gain access to a job site or job search engine and post multiple fraudulent ads. Using these ads, several victims are recruited from these job postings. Typically the jobs are geared toward accountants and finance managers. After the victim sends the fake employer a resume, the operator of the scam contacts the victim and conducts a convincing interview, during which time the scam operator is able to convince the victim to give up his bank account information. Sometimes these interviews or requests for information are done via email. Once the victim has turned over their bank account information to allow for direct deposit of their paychecks, the scammers will use the accounts to steal money.

After accessing these accounts, the scammers will rapidly purchase goods often from online sites. Ultimately a final victim is wired the stolen money from the first set of victims and informed that it is their paycheck. This last victim is told to keep a percentage of the money and transfer the remainder to a new account given to them by the scam operator.

The World Privacy Forum and the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse have issued various consumer fraud alerts and reports on the nature of online job scams. Please see Fact Sheet 25 issued by the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse for key tips to identify job scams before they affect you.