The Coconut Creek Police Department is warning residents to be on the lookout for a work-from-home scam that recently targeted a 25-year-old man in the city.
According to a scam alert issued Tuesday, the man believed he had been hired for a remote job through an online listing. As part of the supposed onboarding process, the company sent him a check and instructed him to cash it.
Shortly after, the scammers claimed there had been “mix-ups” and directed him to wire portions of the money to different destinations, police said.
The man complied—but soon realized he had been scammed, according to investigators. His bank also flagged the activity, confirming that the check was fraudulent and he had unknowingly sent real money to criminals.
Police say the incident is a classic example of an advance-payment scam and are urging job seekers to exercise caution.
“Upfront payments are always a big sign you’re dealing with a scam artist,” the department said in Tuesday’s alert. “Keep that in mind if you’re work-from-home job hunting.”
Work-from-home scams have surged nationwide in recent years, particularly since the pandemic popularized remote work. Fraudsters often impersonate legitimate businesses or create fake job postings to lure unsuspecting victims.
Coconut Creek Police advise anyone who suspects a scam to avoid further contact with the sender and report the incident to authorities immediately.
Got News in Coconut Creek? Send it Here. Don’t Miss reading NW Broward County’s #1 News Sites: Parkland Talk, Coconut Creek Talk, Coral Springs Talk, Margate Talk, Tamarac Talk, and Sunrise FL Talk.
Author Profile
Related
Crime & SafetyMarch 19, 2026Coconut Creek Police Official Warns Public After Being Targeted in Fake Jury Duty Scam
Crime & SafetyMarch 4, 2026Coconut Creek Police Warn Residents About “Bank Representative Scam” After 73-Year-Old Victim Loses Money
Crime & SafetyFebruary 27, 2026Woman Charged With Felony Murder After Stolen Car Pursuit Injures Coconut Creek Police Officer, Deputy
Crime & SafetyFebruary 27, 2026Woman Arrested After Stolen Car Pursuit Injures Coconut Creek Police Officer, Deputy