I work from home. As an individual independent contractor this statement is indicative of a healthy and liberating existence for many. The upside is the ability to pick and chose the work which one wishes to engage; on the downside, there may be periods of time when work literally dries up. It is during the latter moments, where one begins to look at alternative avenues of revenue generation, which will fit into the available space between established work. Many times, there is piece work available where one can provide advice or commentary; and there are often offers from start-ups trying to break into the U.S. market that need help with their account receivables or validation of their services.
When the latter category is encountered, one should get on their horse and ride, ride like the wind in the opposite direction. While start-ups can offer great opportunity, any international request should be met with extreme caution, especially for cleared professionals. Foreign entanglements – even those of a legal variety – can put your security clearance in jeopardy. It’s important to validate every opportunity, and watch out for red flags.
‘Accounts Payable’ Scams
Accounts receivable contracting offers, look a lot like this: “We saw your CV on xyz employment site and think you would be a good candidate, to assist our company with our remittences from the United States.” the letter requests an expression of interest. Those interested are given a song and dance about how the company is in queue for appropriate approvals with their country’s banking authorities, but need a bit of assistance. Unlike infamous Nigerian 419 scams, these criminals actually do send funds to your account and a commission is paid for the service. Unfortunately, the service is known as “muling,” and the money being passed through your accounts is illegally obtained funds. In this instance, your account is being used as a washing machine which launders the money, and sadly, that is a crime which you participated. Not only participated, but were paid.
‘Validation of Services’ Fraud
The second, validation of services fraud, entices the individual looking for employment to take a part-time job testing goods and services. They will, for example, send you to a check for $1500 and ask you to go to a local department store and purchase a trinket, report on the experience; while at the department store, visit the local drug store and process an electronic transfer of $1100 to an individual or account in another locale. The key to the criminal’s success lays in projecting to you urgency, and providing you a time frame to work within. The unsuspecting individual, with cash in hand from the $1500 check having been deposited in their bank (and noting that the funds show up on the bank balance sheet) believe they are operating with a great deal of security. They process the $1100 funds transfer and provide a synopsis in their “service evaluation.” A day or two later, the original $1500 check is returned to your bank as being bogus, and the $1500 is removed from your account. You are now out the cost of the trinket and the $1100 funds transfer.
In sum, work from home independent contracting is a viable business model, just ensure eyes are open when opportunity comes calling and one doesn’t become a mule in the process.
