Niagara police are warning job hunters not to fall for an online scam that involves posting to employment websites.

The fake employer targets victims who posted job ads, or responded to job offers, police say. The prospective employer calls the person — usually someone looking to provide administrative services or work from home — and eventually offers a job by phone or email.

The employer explains that they're out of the country or area and needs someone to help pay suppliers, book travel, pay invoices and other duties, Niagara Regional Police say.

The employer asks the victim to use his or her own bank account to receive cheques and then e-transfer or wire money elsewhere. It often also involves sending and receiving packages. At some point, the bank lets the victim know that the cheques were fraudulent.

When the victim tries to contact the employer, police say, the contact information is no longer valid.

Police say people should "exercise due diligence" to confirm that an employer is legitimate.