From FOX31 Denver:
A fraud scheme is targeting college students applying for summer jobs.
“It’s just so wrong,” Gary Schwartz said.
Schwartz’s daughter, Emma, is a freshmen at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. Like many college students, she is interested in landing a summer job.
“We suggested that she contact the career center at CSU to see what job opportunities might avail themselves,” Schwartz said.
So Emma did. Shortly after, Tobias Schmidt emailed her about a job opportunity doing personal work for him as well as errands. The two spoke over the phone.
“Seemed legit. Certainly, he had gone through the career center. So that certainly gave it more legitimacy,” Schwartz said.
Then a cashier’s check came in the mail made out to Emma for more than $1,900.
Emma was supposed to deposit it in her account, make a purchase and keep the rest, but it happens her father is a certified fraud examiner. He knew something wasn’t right.
“I’m looking at the name of Mr. Tobias Schmidt, I’m looking at the individual that sent this check which was Ms. Nicholas and I’m looking at the remitter which is the Wilson Foundation,” Schwartz said. “I’m like those don’t really jive with each other at all.”
“This is absolutely not Colorado State University,” said Katie Flint, director of employer connections for CSU.
“This is an employer that is going around the system. We have very stringent guidelines in place. We screen and review every single job and internship that gets posted on our system.”
When Schmidt was contacted, he hung up.
For the Schwartzs, they want to warn others to be cautious when looking for jobs.
“My daughter, she would have been another victim. You’ve got to have your radar up,” Schwartz said.