Teens could be lured through fake job offers: police

Greater Sudbury Police are alerting parents to a scam where young people could be lured into exploitation with online job officers.

The police service's Cyber Crime Unit has received the following Alert from the Canadian Center for Child Protection for parents concerning online requests involving prospective job opportunities.

Cybertip.ca has been contacted in the last month by individuals who believe the names of their businesses have been used to lure youth for the purpose of exploitation.

The concern of these legitimate businesses is that unscrupulous individuals are contacting teens through social media, portraying themselves as associated with a business that is offering job opportunities such as modelling.

Cybertip.ca is also aware of situations where youth have responded to online postings related to employment.

During the conversation about the employment opportunity with the prospective employer, sexual requests are made to youth.

As part of a partnership to reinforce its commitment to community safety and well-being, the Canadian Center for Child Protection and the Greater Sudbury Police Service are advocating that parents, guardians and teens have open dialogue regarding potential employment opportunities.

These conversations must ensure that steps are taken to verify the legitimacy around any prospective online job opportunities.

Youth should be advised of the importance of:

-Checking out potential job opportunities with a parent/guardian. Having another person hear about what you have been offered can help identify if it sounds legitimate.
-Taking the time to verify the information being presented. Beyond what the person contacting you has provided, research the company name.
-Check to see if the person contacting you actually works for the company. Contact them through the phone number or email address provided on their official site, as opposed to the contact information the person contacting you has provided.
-Trusting your instincts: If anything about the situation seems weird or questionable, pay attention to this warning signal.

The Greater Sudbury Police Services Cyber Crime Unit has not received any calls of this nature, but does encourage parents and youth to be vigilant when answering online ads.

For more information on discussions you can have with your teen related to identifying situations involving online exploitation, visit www.cybertip.ca.