Jackson, MS--Attorney General Jim Hood warns Mississippi consumers of a recent “work at home” email scam. 

The email pretends to offer the recipient a position in the Accounts Receivable Department of Ashley Furniture.  In exchange, the recipient would receive payments from consumers, process these payments at the recipient’s bank, and deduct 10% as payment.  The email then asks for personal information of the recipient, including information regarding which bank would be used to process the payments.

Attorney General Jim Hood himself received the email, but knowing that a company like Ashley would not allow such, initiated an investigation.  The investigation by the Consumer Protection Division determined the email was indeed a scam.  Although the email purports to be from a human resources manager at Ashley Furniture, computer records indicate that the email originated in Nigeria.

“This is one of many examples of imposters using a reputable, established company to try to get the personal information of consumers,” said Attorney General Jim Hood.  “Consumers should be vigilant in giving out any personal information through email, as identity thieves may be on the other end.  Many people are hurting right now and are looking for work on the Internet.  These two-bit foreign scammers are targeting people at a very vulnerable time in their lives.”
Consumers should not respond to emails seeking personal information.  To report similar emails, please call the Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-281-4418.