Apple Sales Group

Email scammers calling themselves, Apple Sales Group, are promising people they can earn a quick and easy supplementary income of $1400 a week by working just a couple of hours a day.

All you need to qualify is to be aged 18 and have internet access. Sound easy? Of course it is… if you want to be ripped off and part of a money laundering scheme that is.

But the promise of easy cash comes at a cost. Replying to this “genuine” job offer, or becoming a money mule, means acting as a financial middle man for an overseas-based fraudster and getting ripped off yourself.

It is probable the scammers have obtained money illegally and could have links to organised crime.

The money mule is expected to receive the stolen money through a direct bank transfer and forward it overseas via Western Union or similar wire transfer system, for a commission. This means you will be the only one identified in the money trail!

They will also ask for your own bank account details soon after making contact with you, putting you at real risk of identity fraud and having your own account drained of savings.

If you do as the scammers say, you could also be engaging in money laundering, which is illegal, and you could become part of a police investigation, even prosecuted.

Be aware that these email ‘job’ offers, could be disguised under job titles such as ‘financial manager’, ‘payment processor’, ‘transaction specialist’, representative’ or ‘partner’.

Fake job advertisements or offers like this should immediately raise suspicion because why would someone who you have never met entrust you with someone else’s money?

Apple Sales Group have tried to make their scheme look legitimate by saying their job advertisement “is brought to you via Google ads”, and perhaps made themselves appear part of the Apple information technology company.

They have also included dubious testimonials from magazines. They ask the unsuspecting to reply to a UK gmail domain address for more information, which should also ring alarm bells.

You are probably one of millions to have received the spam email in the hope one person will respond to the offer. Remember, if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

ScamNet strongly recommends ignoring any unsolicited job offers or opportunities to make easy money. Never send money, bank account details or other personal information to an unknown source, especially those based overseas.

If you have disclosed your bank details, received funds into your account or transferred funds already, contact your bank or financial institution, the police or WA ScamNet immediately.

Report any suspicious emails to WA ScamNet. For further advice call 1300 30 40 54.

Don’t make an ass of yourself – don’t be a money mule!