Eager to break into acting or modeling? Don’t let your ambition get the better of you. Use caution when applying to jobs and don’t fall for a check cashing scam that uses Better Business Bureau’s name.

How the Scam Works:

You reply to a help wanted ad for a modeling, acting or promotional gig. After you send your resume and/or introductory message, you start getting emails from an “agent” who tells you that you’ve got the job.

Starting your new gig is easy, according to the emails. Your agent mails you a check that supposedly covers your hourly fee and expenses, such as transportation and meals. You only need to deduct $350 “to confirm your bookings with the production accountant” and wire the money ASAP to the name and address provided.

In a twist, scammers are using phony shipping labels to mail the checks. Job seekers report receiving envelopes that have Better Business Bureau’s name and return address on them. Scammers are using the BBB name (and likely name of other established organizations) to lend credibility to their con.

If you follow the email’s instructions and deposit the check, the full amount will appear to be in your bank account immediately. However, it takes several days for the check to completely clear. When the bank sees the check is a fraud, they will deduct the money from your account. If you wired the money to the “production accountant,” you will be out the $350.

How to Spot a Fake Job Ad:  

1. Job postings and reply emails with a lot of grammatical errors and misspellings are likely scams.
2. Ads containing the phrases “Immediate Start” and “No Experience Needed” are popular in scam ads.
3. If a job looks suspicious, search for it in Google.  If the result comes up in many other cities with the exact same job post, it is likely a scam.
4. Be very cautious of any job that asks you to share personal information or hand over money. Scammers will often use the guise of running a credit check, setting up direct deposit or paying for training.
5. Check out the business’s website to make sure the opening is posted there.  If you are still skeptical, call the business to check on the position.

For More Information

See BBB’s information pages, for more tips about avoiding check cashing and employment scams.

To find out more about scams, check out the new BBB Scam Stopper, or if you’re a victim of this scam contact BBB by calling (520)888-5353.

Recent calls to the BBB from senior citizens claim that individuals and companies are using the Medicare rebate as a tool to gain clients and get information from senior citizens.

Companies or con artists are contacting senior citizens claiming that in order to receive a tax-free Medicare rebate they must provide additional information. These companies may be attempting to sell you their drug policy or could be con artists planning to use your information to steal money and steal your identity.

The Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law earlier this year, provides a $250 tax free rebate to seniors on Medicare with prescription drug coverage. This coverage may be through Medicare Extra Help or provided through another Medicare approved provider. The gap is the point when an individual has reached a point in the plan where coverage stops and they pay out of pocket until the expenses reach a point that the plan will again pay. At that point a rebate check will be mailed to the participants.

Medicare announced in May, 2010  not to give out any personal information because it’s not necessary to receive a rebate. If a Medicare recipient is in the plan, the pharmacy records will automatically trigger the rebate and a check made out in the participants name will be sent within 45 days.

“Any company or individual that is telling you that you must first fill out paperwork, meet with them, or buy their policy is using the rebate as a deceptive way to solicit business or steal your identity,” Kim States, BBB President.

Callers are telling BBB they are asked to meet with someone for the purpose of getting the rebate.  If you are approached by phone for an appointment, know that it is not necessary to give out any information or purchase a policy to receive a rebate check, and you may report information about the caller such as salesperson name, company name, phone number and address to BBB, Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 or local law enforcement.