Howell Police are warning residents to stay alert after a local student was recently targeted in a job opportunity scam.

According to police, the student received an email offering a part-time, work-from-home position with an organization identifying itself as “Feed the Children.” The message appeared legitimate and was designed to gain the victim’s trust.

The scammers allegedly instructed the student to deposit a check into their personal bank account using a mobile banking app. After the check was deposited, the victim was then told to send the money to another email address using a digital payment service such as Zelle.

Police say the check later turned out to be fraudulent. Once the bank determined the check was fake, the funds were reversed, leaving the victim responsible for the money that had already been sent.

Authorities are urging residents, especially students and parents, to be cautious when receiving unsolicited job offers and to avoid depositing checks or sending money to people they do not know.

Anyone who may have been targeted or fallen victim to a scam is urged to contact the Howell Township Police Department.