Darlene Sue Cruz

Victim Location 95949

Type of a scam Employment

I was hired through care.com for a pet sitting job. Person claimed they were deaf and relocating with her 2 toddler sons and her dog, Cookie, to my state from Georgia. I was to watch her dog who was arriving before her family was and also set up her household utilities and pet supplies. I was to give all my information to her so her "Financial Advisor" could issue me a check. The check was to be in a greater amount than my weekly pay was supposed to be so I could pay other people with the remaining money. The check was in the amount of $2,850.55. I was to keep $400 and "pay the other people she owes". She claimed she was living in Georgia, her cell number was from Florida, the envelope the check was sent from says it originated from New York, tracking information for the envelope the check came in says it actually was sent from Southern California.

The fake check was supposedly issued by Supportive Living Services, 210 E 2nd St, Erie, PA 16507 through First National Bank of PA.

She wanted to know my personal checking information, how much I had in my account after her check was deposited and my Social Security number. I refused to give that information and only supplied her with my name, address and cell number to receive the check.

We exchanged emails and then she said texting would be better for her. After 13 days of communication (I saved all communication from her), I found out from my bank and the bank the check was supposed to be issued from was actually a fake check.

Red flags went up almost immediately for me about this job being a complete scam. Things she said and information that she refused to give were very alarming. The check being a fake was the exact proof of this being a complete scam.