Babysitting job ad is a money-laundering scam, BBB warns

The Better Business Bureau has warned consumers not to fall for a babysitting job that is really a money laundering scheme in disguise.

Job seekers reported to the western Pennsylvania BBB that when they responded to a local newspaper advertisement for a baby sitter for young children, they were told the job had been filled, but their information would be sent to a friend who also is looking for a baby sitter. When the friend -- located outside this country -- contacted the job seeker, it was to say that paychecks sent should be deposited, and the job applicant then should send part of the pay back via wire transfer.

Problem is, the checks were fake and once the job applicant deposited them, they became responsible for that money, the BBB said.

Never deposit a check from a stranger and agree to wire money back, said the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. It's the law that banks have to make the funds available for use within a day or two, but a fake check can take weeks to uncover. If the check is fake, the consumer will owe the bank the money.

Scam artists will tell their victims to send money through wire transfers because it is nearly impossible to get that cash back or trace it once it's sent, the FTC said.

As the national unemployment rate continues to hover around 10%, the BBB warns job seekers to look out for seven red flags of a job scam when looking for work.