Las Vegas, NV (KXNT) – Las Vegas Metro Police have responded to concerning reports of job scams as hundreds gathered outside of a business complex near Sunset and Pecos. The situation unfolded after victims discovered they had been lured by promises of employment from job offers listed online, leading many to fear for their personal information security and financial wellbeing.
According to police reports, all began with a job advertisement posted earlier this month which sought applicants for third-party delivery drivers supposedly linked to Amazon. The ad quickly circulated within the Cuban community, drawing many eager job seekers to the 3100 block of East Sunset Road, where they were told to fill out applications and pay $200 for what they believed were drug tests—a prerequisite for employment.
Unfortunately, when victims returned to follow up on their applications, they found the business had been vacated, leaving them bewildered and dismayed. Johan Ledesma, one of several victims at the scene, expressed the gravity of the situation, conveying his anxieties over the potential misuse of his sensitive information: “My hands are shaking because social security number is everything in this country.”
This incident raises alarming concerns not only for the immediate victims but for the broader spectrum of online job seekers who often trust digital platforms for employment. Anabel Zamora, another victim, articulated her distress at the loss of both money and the risk associated with having her personal information exposed. “Whoever paid cash is out of their money and besides… their identity— social security numbers, residency, driver’s license numbers… everything is out there right now with this group of people,” she lamented.
While victims are grappling with the financial loss, many are equally troubled by the risk of identity theft. Frank Riveron described the pervasive feeling of unease, stating, “It’s really creepy what is happening right now; it’s more than the money. It’s the documents they have— our social, residency, driver’s license.”
Adrian Ojea pointed out the vulnerability of the Cuban community, remarking, “They took advantage of the Cuban community because we are so trusting and desperate for jobs, and we don’t have any knowledge about these kinds of scams.” This highlights the need for increased awareness and protective measures against such fraudulent schemes.
The case near Sunset and Pecos is not isolated. Recent reports from the Financial Ombudsman Service indicate complaints about fraud have surged significantly over the past year, with figures up by one third from the previous year. Between April and December 2024, close to 3,000 complaints were lodged from the North West of England alone, with many centered around authorized push payment (APP) scams, where unsuspecting individuals are misled to transfer money to scammers posing as legitimate businesses.
James Dipple-Johnstone, deputy chief ombudsman at the Financial Ombudsman Service, remarked on the emotional and financial toll such scams can take on victims. “Being the victim of fraud or scam can be life-changing experience—both emotionally and financially—but support is available,” he assured, emphasizing the importance of reporting fraudulent activities.
The increase in online job scams presents broader societal questions about trust and vulnerability, particularly within communities perhaps more susceptible to such schemes. A community member expressed deep concern over information misuse and the long-term ramifications it could have on their lives. "They just treated us like money," one victim concluded.
The situation calls for vigilance not only among potential job seekers but also from authorities who need to strengthen regulations and educative initiatives aimed at combatting such scams. With many victims potentially unaware of their rights and avenues for reporting crimes, it is imperative for local law enforcement and organizations to engage proactively with vulnerable communities to raise awareness about the signs of job scams.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about the incidents or who may have fallen victim to similar scams to reach out. Victims are encouraged to contact detectives at 702-828-3483 or email [email protected]. For anonymous tips, Crime Stoppers can be reached at 702-385-5555 or on their website.
While the Las Vegas Metro Police are actively investigating the scam, the unfortunate truth is the challenge of online job scams is not limited to one incident or locality. The growing prevalence of such schemes reveals urgent need for collective action from law enforcement, community leaders, and job seekers themselves to prevent these fraudulent activities from thriving.