Criminals are using the web to con desperate job seekers into so-called mule operations, The Wall Street Journal reports. These schemes generally follow a formula that includes wiring stolen money to a job applicant’s credit card — then asking them to purchase goods as expensive electronics. The applicant ships the goods, often to Eastern Europe, where scam operators sell them. Applicants end up with neither a job nor a paycheck.

Criminals are using the web to con desperate job seekers into so-called mule operations, The Wall Street Journal reports. These schemes generally follow a formula that includes wiring stolen money to a job applicant’s credit card — then asking them to purchase goods as expensive electronics. The applicant ships the goods, often to Eastern Europe, where scam operators sell them. Applicants end up with neither a job nor a paycheck.