I went exactly through what you just described a few months ago with a prospective “job offer”. The interview was entirely through a messaging app, sent what looked like a legitimate website to review, then the weird written questions, and 20 mins later I had a job! Along with the offer comes their equipment requirements that you should pay for but the company will reimburse. Long story short I went with my gut instinct and “declined” the offer. Of course I got no response and knew I dodged a bullet. People suck.
I went through the same thing, but I use online banking and wasn't able to provide them with what they would need anyway. (I don't cash checks, only DD.) But it seemed a bit too fishy for me too.
Same, I went as a far as messenging the scammer through Telegram and answering the questions for the "interview." But then I called the actual company and they confirmed no such person works there and it's a scam. I immediately blocked them, but they still attempted to call my phone. Didn't answer. Then they text messaged "Why did you block your Hiring Manager on Telegram?!!" Blocked them on my phone. They really thought I was falling for it and freaked out when it wasn't so.🤣🤣🤣🤣 Luckily no bank info was given. At most they'll sell my info like my name and number to other scammers.😩
I don't care how desperate you are, never under any circumstances give someone money so you can work for them. If they tell you you need a license and you have to pay for it, walk away. If they tell you you need to buy a kit, find something else to do.
i remember a recruiter made me pay for a $50 security clearance before even an interview. the clearance was legit but nothing came of it. and for a while she strung me along but stopped taking my calls after a while.
@@Vzzdak the recruiter didn't take the money. but it was her duty to forward me the next process of getting the secret clearance. but she ghosted me and wasted my money. later employers all paid me for that plus the drive to and back for the fingerprints required.
A legitimate company will have an IT department and will always provide you with their equipment because it has to be configured for their firewalls, VPN, etc.
@@EyeWYT it doesnt matter what you use. Giving access to personal devices is just asking for a security breach. ive never heard of this trend although it wouldnt surprise me if it existed. Its why i mentioned serious companies.
When Covid hit I needed to use my personal laptop to remote into my assigned computer. A few months later they had me pick up a company laptop. At this point I would expect that the company would ship the basic hardware required but not office furniture.
No legitimate employer would trust that employees would not just take the money and run. They would order the supplies and ship them to you. Totally fishy!
@@SoulsJourney that was my first thought i jumped in when i heard that about a laptop would be shipped also the price they claim to pay hourly I explained when it sounds to good to be true trust me its 99.99 percent that its to good to be true! to someone whose used to doing interviews in person. its a tragedy how this is happening way more then people know...
I’ve never seen someone so calm yet so irritated at the same time 🤣 yes, these ppl SUCK. I’ve been job scammed before. They didn’t steal my money but they damn sure stole my time and never paid me 😤
My little brother delta with this EXACT same situation. They sent him a check for 7k and the job "paid" $25 an hour. We knew it sounded suspect so we took the check to the bank and in 3 minutes they told us it was a scam.
Wow, this actually happened to me this past week! Someone posed as an HR person from CVS for a remote position I saw online. Yup, they even sent me an "offer letter" in the email along with emailing me a "check" to purchase various computer and software equipment. A $3700 dollar check was sent to my email and I knew this was a scam attempt! BEWARE!
I have seen this in my job search back in like 2009. It was extremely difficult to spot. The profile pic on the g-chat was a linked-in picture of a legitimate customer services manager. The company name was a legitimate large corporation. They have basically scraped pictures to appear like these real people. I reached out to the corporation to try to report the scammers hurting their reputation but never heard back. I was also turned off by the seemingly poorly crafted interview questions. They didn't understand the work of data entry and it was a red flag that they were offering $30/hr for data entry work worth more like $15/hr. As this UA-camr pointed out, why would they hire you for a chat interview? But at that time I was desperate for any interviews. It's a difficult trap to spot. Great video!
I got hit by this several years ago when I was out of work. Called FBI, placed a report. Couldn't recover anything. Yes, there is a special place for those that target the disadvantaged.
One thing to consider is that the people executing the scam are more than likely someone that is disadvantaged themselves, struggling to make ends meet and doing whatever they can to get a paycheck. It is the ring leaders of the scams that deserve the special place.
I had this happen to me. I figured it might be a scam because of the Skype text interview. As soon as they told me it was data entry for 35 dollars/hr? I knew it was bullshit. They basically said I had the job. No questions asked. They asked for all of my personal info. Instead of giving it to them, I had fun with them. I acted overly enthusiastic and started rapid-fire asking questions. They were, I'm guessing, taken aback. They said they'd be in touch later. Yeah. THEY wanted off the hook. I was like: No!! Wait!!! They cut out of there. It's sick because if I was naiive and desperate, they probably would have scammed me. If all these scammers died tomorrow, I'd throw a party. You're invited! Bring chips!
in the past it was pretty transparent; no reasonable employer would allow WFH arrangements for fresh recruits. post covid, however, these scams can now hide among a myriad of legitimate employment ads.
Hmm, I highly doubt your first statement about no reasonable employer allowing for WFH arrangements for fresh recruits in the past. Primarily because I was hired by very large company that doesn't provide the greatest of benefits, but they didn't have a probationary period before things like being able to work from home on occasion were allowed, so I imagine that companies that value their employees properly would have no issues with providing fresh recruits WFH setups before COVID.
Well done, *VortexTrace* - I’m grateful that you are actively combatting these individuals of low moral character. It is crucial that we take every possible action to protect the elderly and the general public from these detestable scammers! Congratulations to you!! You deserve the highest recognition for ensuring our safety, my friend.!!!!!😊
I applied to an online tutoring company on Indeed. Went through an interview process and was hired. The contract looked typical as well, as was the hourly pay.This company set up my tutoring schedule and asked for information so they can direct deposit my pay. After that I heard nothing from them! No links or software to use to tutor. Fortunately, my bank is really really small and does not approve anyone to withdraw money from my account unless I tell them it is ok. This tutoring company tried to drain my bank account. 😖
As with all scams, my initial thought is ‘who in the hell would be stupid enough to fall for this’… but then I’m reminded of a few people I know, very smart people from a tech background, who have fallen for similar scams.
People get desperate, and people with degrees and long years of professional work don't even consider working in stores and restaurants to scrape by (understandable, since such work simply has one still needing a different job). Many people who have had long employment in good companies assume that they will get treated well and that the company is not out to fleece them. Then comes the fleece.
I almost got caught by one of these some months ago; it went exactly as you described. I got very suspicious when they said I would have to buy my own equipment; a check was delivered without my consent that next day. I took it to my own bank, and went directly to a bank officer instead of the counter; she didn't even have to glance at it twice, told me it was fake, and called the FBI. I really needed another job, and ran into another scam just like the first one. This time, I had "fun" with them, and literally started an argument with them. (I soon after hired onto a local company, the usual way. I am still looking for remote side work, but that experience has taught me to be very cautious.) Thank you for posting this video; these scammers have got a strong campaign here for the unwary.
Now some scammers are requiring you to use online banking and say they will email you a check for deposit. This way they don’t even have to bother mailing it to you. Special place in hell for these assholes!
So I am dealing with similar situations. They are telling me to buy equipment and send them so they can install software and send it back to me . Equipments are expensive and they even offer to assist in paying and I feel something is wrong. They using they company Nielsen . Now they have send me in past to get all my details and tbh I just realized that my credit card even called to check if I am opening new credit card . How do I save myself since they have all my details now like my address ssn etc ? 😢
I JUST GOT HIRED BY 2 COMPANIES BOTH REMOTE BOTH SENDING CHECKS LOL WTF MANG ! THE SEARCH CONTINUES, I LL KEEP YOU UPDATED HERE WHAT HAPPENS, ILL ASK MY BANK IF THEY ARE REAL FIRST THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO
People really know how to reinvent scams. The cheque scam has been around a while. When I was a student my landlord got scammed. The "students" were from out of town. They sent her a cheque or wire transfer for more than what was required for the deposit. Then they called her telling her how they sent her too much money and if she could send some back. So she did. But of course the money never cleared.
*VortexTrace* , your efforts in fighting these scammers are truly commendable! We must do everything we can to shield the elderly and the public from these deceitful individuals. You're a true hero...
Brian, I noticed right away upon reading your attached transcript of the interview that there were several grammatical errors throughout, such as extra spaces between words, lowercase letters where there should have been capitalized letters, such as ms excel, ms word, etc. At one point in the interview, Stacy tells Mary that if hired she'd be working on a team, then later on asks her if she prefers working on a team or independently. (?). Just a lot of info that didn't make sense...that's the first thing that would have made me ? that whole interview..
Look for misspellings and wordiness of the English language. No legit company will tell you to go out and buy equipment. I WFH since 2014. Not once did a company tell me to purchase equipment with their check. Red Flag 🚩 for sure!
Absolutely. I WFH as well. I do use my own equipment but the company was not involved in that purchase. Had the computer already just needed a good headset I did get scam emails when I was searching for a job.
It’s really sad people fall for this. This is a recycled technique used in real estate too. People should refrain from working for a company that can’t coordinate their own office supplies or asks for $ upfront with promise of reimbursement. Huge red flag!!!
Hi there! Heads up - I received similar fraud emails yesterday from "Amazon" and unfortunately they somehow created real Amazon email addresses and JDs too, but thanks to you and this video, I knew what nuances to look for. It's baffling how realistic this scam is including their sophisticated targeting. I'm happy to send you a screen grab of the email so you have it in your back pocket. Let me know, and thanks again for ALL your help! Stay safe out there folks.
They can't create real amazon emails. You need better email client, which shows you all information about the sender. Many new email clients hide this information.
Yes they are doing this now as well. Most of these scams are not that easy to catch anymore but there are still major red flags and most of them involve actually asking for money.
The crazy thing is I worked at Amazon Fresh and their interview process was completely contactless. I never spoke to a person, never had any type of formal interview just a test and then some interview questions to answer and then an email letting me know I was hired. I was sent some links for training to complete before reporting on my first day. I didn't actually connect with a person until I showed up to start at amazon fresh and the entire process was completely legit but it wasn't until I actually started that I felt comfortable I wasn't being scammed. Strangest hiring process ever.
Another scammer tell is the use of free email accounts. Be super careful of any potential employer approaching you from a gmail account. Ask them to resend their email through the company's domain account. A legit employer won't have any problem with this request. If they can't or won't, don't engage with them any further.
Fundamentally, a job is about an employer transferring money to the employee. The moment a prospective "employer" asks me to shell out money for a job, I'm immediately thinking SCAM.
I got a job that was a legitimate work from home offer just after the onset of the pandemic. I interviewed online through zoom, was hired about a week later, and had a laptop, two large monitors, a keyboard, mouse and docking station sent straight to my home. No "you buy the equipment" nonsesne. I did buy a cheap desk, but that's it. It's a great job (I still have it), and I have all the perks of working from home. My commute consists of walking from the living room to the office space I have set up in the spare bedroom. My wife and daughter both bring me (too many) plates of food throughout the day. My dog occasioinally comes in the room and starts hopping up and closing the laptop with her nose because she wants attention. And the pay is pretty good too. The legit opportunities are out there.
Hi, Can I know please the name of the company you're working for? I am passing through the same experience, I am supposed to start to work the following monday but I am still skeptical is too good to be true
A bank can reverse a check as much as 30 days after depositing it. So it can look like it clears and then the money "taken back" by the bank a month later.
Correct. Counterfeit checks often contain account numbers and routing information of legitimate companies... fraud is usually caught later when account is being reconciled
This is what people don't understand, it called stop payment. Years ago, when in the helicopter business I only excepted certified checks and waited for them to clear or had the bank clear the check manually by calling the issuer bank and telling them to clear the check. I learned the hard way back then.
This nearly happened to someone I know who wants to supplement her retirement. She "interviewed" with a company for a position. Before her first "assignment" they sent her this check that she was supposed to deposit first. Afterward, she was supposed to contact them and she'd get the details for her first assignment where she could keep some of the proceeds of the check as payment for her assignment. She showed me the check and I immediately told her it was a scam and not to deposit it. It's horrible that people keep doing this to people who are so vulnerable already.
They got me too or tried to. They used a local small business to put an ad up on Indeed. I applied, interviewed, got "hired" (all thru email) found out it was a scam but didn't let them know until after they sent me a check and I acted like I was depositing it in my account. It seemed really legit until they said I had to deposit a check. Edit: It was for a personal assistant
Yup, pretty freaking sad for them to take advantage of people trying to better themselves and find better work, especially, as you said, right after/during these last few years. Disgusting. They attempted this scam on me. It was all well and good until I got a "job offer" with no more than a phone call varying that my email and location were correct; it was way too easy to get this "job" They sent me the "job offer" that basically outlined the same details as mentioned in the article (pay is this much, training schedule will involve setting up your home office etc) At this point, I looked more into it, and found out that the email address they used did NOT use the exact same extension as legitimate emails from that company. My big tip is to VERIFY that the job posting/person is legit. Look up their name and email and make sure they are accurate and related to the company. And if something feels wrong, it almost certainly is!
In the beginning of the pandemic, I had one of these interviews from a LinkedIn post. There were many red flags from the email address to the time/speed they contacted me, but I still went ahead with the interview. A less than a handful of questions in, it was clear that the other party was either a bot or going off a script because they kept asking questions while I was trying to ask why the job isn't posted on their official site.
I hate to say this, but before Covid 75 to 90 percent of remote work jobs were scams. After covid, while there may be remote work jobs out there, the scammers are still doing it. So, yes, a vital and important video to post. Thanks!
Been seeing them using WhatsApp in Canada. Lot of this on Indeed. Looks like a great job, promises remote, uses the name of a company you would know and asks for an interview on whatsapp.
I get approached by companies wanting to interview me via Google Hangouts at least once a month. When I ask them to call me, they never do. There are a TON of folks out there looking to steal money from *unemployed workers*. What the hell kind of people are these? The lowest of the freakin' low.
This happened to me last summer. I have to say it was an interesting experience and I almost fell for parts of it but they were paying way too much for the job.
Thank you. My friend just got scammed by this yesterday!she told me she got a job n asked me what I thought because she was excited. (Also she has been out of work for about 8 months) yesterday it seemed to pass my smell test. I woke up having coffee still not convinced so I did a UA-cam search and found this. She has not received the check yet, So thanks to your video! I will be able to save her today! good job brother
10:38 "This to me sounds extremely scammy" I think you are referring to the bits about a check and purchasing kit yourself, but just the word "software's" would set of my scam detector big time regardless of the errant apostrophe, if it was not already. I've baited countless cold call tech support scammers and this is always in their script, so if this is supposed to be a job in the US either you are chatting with an outsourced recruiter and/or someone using a poorly written script both of which reflect poorly on the company in my book or a straight up scammer as this is not common parlance for multiple computer programs.
I played along and tossed the check, and told the scammers that the bank said the check was made incorrectly and that they called the FBI, that whoever's made it had done a bad or incorrect job creating it.
I sent in a resume a few years ago to what I thought was a bank (probably wasn't). I got an email back saying I was to call them and I was given a phone number. I called the number and told the lady who answered I was told to call this number and I had applied for the position. She said that in order to go to the next step in the interview process I would need to have all my money, RRSP, etc. in their bank "so we can monitor your finances". I hadn't even gotten to any interview yet and there was no guarantee even if I did all that I would get the job. Well, I declined for two reasons: I had some money in one bank and some in another, neither were the bank in question. And then I also thought - your employer monitoring your finances - what could possibly go wrong?? LOL In hindsight I believe I dodged a huge bullet as this probably was not even a bank and if I had put my money into the "account" they wanted they probably would have taken it and run.
Very few jobs require you to pay out of pocket for job related items, but those are usually along the lines like footwear like steel toed boots which are things a job seeker would reasonably already have.
Just found my bf going through a "data entry" application. He was excited to receive a free mac book and pay of 38$ an hour... Long story a short, they used almost the exact script Stacy did. Claiming to be a company called "american pharmaceutical review". All these amazing benefits, and he got hired in an hour! I showed him they aren't verified with BBB, nor did I see any sign of them on indeed or glassdoor. I took over the skype text interview and asked the Hr manager who was interviewing to show proof of the companies legitimacy. They left me on read.... so I sent them a link to this video! I thought about this channel instantly because its helped me weed through my own struggles with job searches and trusting potential employers. Thanks a ton man. You're saving lives with this work!!!
I was approached a couple times by companies using similar methods. In each case, you have to ask yourself why a company is doing things in a way that is out of the ordinary. Why would they send you a check instead of just shipping you the required equipment? If in doubt, just ask. If the answer doesn't make sense, run away as quickly as possible, then report it to the platform they used to contact you. Also look up the person who contacted you to see if the person works for them.
Hi Bryan, In my former job, I processed payments and refunds. Whenever someone requested a refund that was paid for by check, it was our policy that we had to wait six weeks for the check to clear before issuing the refund. Have a blessed day.
This is interesting. I dont think I came across scams in my recent job search but I'm sure I came across them when I was looking for a room or studio to rent. The ad wouldn't have photos of the inside of the house or they'd want to run a credit check before I'd even viewed the listing. Just weird stuff that seemed off. Always gotta be on the lookout for scams!
If there is no photo, why even bother wasting your time? People have had phones with cameras for the last 2 decades, so what excuse could there possibly be for them not having photos of a place for rent?
Rental scams are big in areas with low vacancy rates. Never send money or personal information without viewing the space you're looking to rent... even then do your homework. In my city someone had access to a vacant house, posed as the owner and was collecting deposits from various prospective renters. Imagine the disaster when multiple families showed up with their moving trucks on the first of the month.
I agree that if the company is legitimate and the job offer is real, the company would have bought all the equipment ahead of time n THEN shipped it to the new hire AFTER the hire was made, ie the company should be making tgat investment. Mailing a check to the new hire n asking them to purchase everything? That's a recipe for disaster!
Thanks for the info. I usually do some research on the individuals that have contacted me online along with the company to see if anyone has anything negative about them.
Was in a similar situation but they told me I had to get a full health check before I could start and obviously the company couldn't pay for it with their reason being if I was 'unhealthy' to work, they would've wasted their money. Best part is they promised to send me the offer letter by the next day before I would go for the health check the following week. The letter never came and there was no response from the employer. Also, another red flag was they were trying to promise me senior position with high salary (job advertised was junior position with market price salary) due to my qualifications and they were 'impressed' with me during interview.
Any time anybody wants to send you a check for any reason, it's a scam. I had a company send me a check once. I just looked at it longingly, because I could have really used that money, but I knew it was a fake. So cruel.
Thank God I looked into this before doing anything damaging! Thank you for laying out how the scam works as I was able to instantly identify I was wasting my time.
I almost fell into the bud light car wrap scam. Red flag was the Guy told me to call right before I deposit the check. Better yet when you are standing outside. I then looked it up found all the people that have been scanned. This is the exact same way.
Some scammers will use "Google Hangouts" as a meeting location which should be a red flag. I never use Google's Hangouts, for anything, and no one else will either. A scammer tried this very scam, 4 years ago on me. Got a "physical" check for office supplies, but I checked on known scams around the web. And this one has been around for at least 4 or 5 years.
I've gotten these scams three times. Each time they request that I download and use Signal for the interview. I did it the first time but stopped the "interview" when they listed the software and hardware I would need. What I found most bemusing was the position was remote supporting another state, but I would be required to buy a $2000 laser printer
Happened to me yesterday from a job board. Yup if someone wants to give u a check? HELL NO!! and the email was a random address, not a company address.. Shared your vid. Thnx
Happened to me too but I got suspicious during the 'interview' - the questions were really weirdly phrased and the " "interviewer " acted unprofessionally - getting impatient, annoyed, trying to intimidate me and rush me to answer faster. When he then mention the equipment and asked me for my address to send the cheque I was sure what I am dealing with. Very sad that people like that exist. I was lucky, the behavior of the scammer gave him away fast but it left me very desolate afterwords for a long while. Losing a job makes you feel hopeless anyway and then you enter unfriendly world of fraud and scams.
A long time ago, a friend invited me to some company job orientation that wanted $400 to be hired and all what you would be doing is pass out flyers for them or other stupid things. One employee even told me if I was going to school, they would go to my school and give me my lunch money...LMAO. And I replied even if I was going to school, I wouldn't want you to embarrass me by giving me lunch money, I'm not seven years old. Another employee also said many people don't come back to their company after paying the $400. Years later, I drove down to see if the same business was there and somehow they weren't there anymore :LMAO:
Some of these random scam companies would randomly ask you to join a telegram chat! that is a scam! Also don't respond to texts or emails out of blue of a company that you never applied to!
I've been through this. I hung up on the Google chat thing they had set up. As soon as he talked Bank info I was gone. Gone Gone Gone. I said we don't talk about that until I get legit paperwork ect. They didn't scam me!
This just happened to me!! Congratulations, you’ve got the job. I let whoever know this is too good true and this process gave me scam vibes. Obviously, No response! I write the actual company to let them know there is someone using their company for scams.
Yeah, encountered something similar twice; once it happened to my wife, once was directed to me: fully-text interview (SMS/E-mail with Word attachments) and the BIG RED FLAG was the interviewer was saying I had to buy new equipment for them.
Stephen just like you did, learn to listen, they usually tell off on themselves. The scammer did not even come close because the (Cheap) me knows better. FYI you want to send me a check with my name to purchase your equipment? Are you insane? I may be cheap but I am sure not crazy. Its sad that people don't have anything else better to do in life. But like my Grandad use to say be careful Life will find you out. Good luck on your search stay smart stay vigilant you will get what you are looking for.
The fact that they hire you on the spot and don't even do a face to face interview should be dead giveaways. Some people are pretty desperate I suppose.
They often target people who haven't worked much in the corporate world. If you've only worked local retail or just got out of high school, you don't know much about how companies work.
@@joegoss30 Yeah although most people have some idea on how interviews work. It's never just over messenger and then telling you 'you're hired' like 5 minutes later lol.
Thank you for this video. We knew something was off about this interview process. It was beat for beat how you described only using Macy’s as a front. Beware!
Wow! I have been working for the last 4.5+ years and still there, no plans of leaving, but started looking for remote jobs for the extra income. Just 3 days ago, responded to a recruiter wanting to do an interview using Skype. Which turned into skype text messaging for 2 hours. Many almost identical questions, got hired, and told I would receive a check to cover equipment costs, etc, etc. I started seeing red flags, so went to my bank manager to get his opinion which was very much like mine. THEN, took it a step further and went to BBB website, which has a scam checker link, and LO and BEHOLD!, there is that same company, with almost identical details as the ones I experienced, and it was reported to BBB the same day I got hit! Too good to be true is right!
The time I encountered this scam it all fell apart for the scammer at the point when they spoke of the materials required for the role. In my case it was just a few software licenses to be acquired with the check, but here's where it all fell apart. Literally everything the scammer was asking me to requisition were things I already had and when I pointed that out, I got ghosted immediately.
I think you are so fabulous and I wish more recruiters were like you. Trying to take advantage of someone that needs a job is pretty low! Most people know to never buy their own equipment, a typical company would order it for you. But some people are less experienced and I could see how this could happen. Shame!
I had a small company try to not reimburse me for flight and hotel to come to the interview. Ignored my emails for a month, when I threatened small claims and pointed out I'd add the cost of flying in for the small claims court date, they paid. Claimed the only guy who could sign checks had been on vacation for a month
I wish luck to all job seekers. My fiancé received a box of computer equipment from his new employer (August 2022) and I was kinda skeptical but it all worked out, very legit company and they've never had him pay for his equipment.
Yes. They ordered and sent him the equipment, right? He didn’t have to deposit any check and then buy the equipment with that money? Also, did they give him a sign on bonus or any pay upfront? Usually, for bonuses, you have to work a certain amount of time before getting the bonus. Companies don’t usually give you money upfront because if you don’t fulfill your end of the bargain, they’re either out that money or have to try to get it back from you.
I'm betting the channel Jim Browning would be really interested in this type of scan. He follows computer scams all the way back to the source, as in exact location and is able to pull screen captures and security cams to watch the operation.
This has happened to me, but not for a remote work job. One was for a modeling gig, but I had to buy particular things in a VERY short period of time. I also received a check via instant delivery, which i was told was to buy the required things with, and then would be compensated further after the work began. I think this was over a weekend, so I knew the check wouldn't clear before the "supposed" gig started. It just seemed "wrong" to me, so I ripped up the check and moved on.
This also highlights the consumer benefits of using your credit card for purchases. Since the office equipment was never delivered, it would be easy to contact the CC company and get the charges reversed.
Couple of months ago I applied for job for remote data entry. A "recruiter" contacted me and set up.an interview through Google chat - posed as a legit company. Wanted to send money to my bank account for me get equipment from their "preferred vendots" . I asked what was my responbilirt regarding that equipment if I decided to discontinue the job - would I be responsible for paying that back. Woman interviewing me via chat kept avoiding the question. Also wanted me to get equipment that nothing to do with data entry (I.e. bar code printer etc) I ended the interview - too sketchy.
I went through a scam almost exactly like this a few months ago, only the interview was via Telegram. Same exact script, but what caught my eye was the "interviewer's" rude and abrasive demeanor, followed by "you need to purchase a laptop and all the software through this vendor." The entire process from start to finish felt extremely off, almost to a comical degree. I've never gone through an interview via text, plus I've never just been hired on the spot like that. I wanted to see where this scam went, so I indulged them for a while longer before calling them out.
This has happened to me too! But when I took their check to the bank, they stated it was a scam & I was horrified!!! You put in your time and info to a false company. I even researched the location of the company. It has fake pics for the organization too.
I had this scam happen to me recently. The scammer was spoofing a real company and was impersonating their actual CFO. I deposited the check but then got very suspicious at the instructions to forward the money and called my bank immediately to report it. Feel like a sucker, but at least I didn't send any money out.
Just imagen what an intelligent scammer is able to do. When will we be able to realize we are being scammed on all levels, all from buying a second hand car and all the way up to the top level in politics?
Informative. I had a friend experience this, it was disappointing. I do challenge the thought/categorization of names as ‘normal sounding’. It is laced with bias and not relevant in my view. Thank you for increasing awareness of this unfortunate practice.
Yes, this happened to me. I was contacted by a recruiter, interviewed through a messaging app-with real interview questions. Someone called my house posing as the HR manager of a company to offer me the "job". But, the voice sounded different than the face on the website. I didn't accept the "job".
i want to thank you for sharing this. I just got a check from a weird guy pretended he is a hiring manager for a company. he overnighted this check via FedEx to me .
I'm a concept artist. I get a scam very similar to this emailed to me once a week. They email as a legit game company offering a job. I almost fell for it the first time, they had me interview over telegram. Once some red flags came up (like training. This isn't wendy's. It's for concept art, I already know how to draw lol) and they pressured me to buy equipment or send them bank info or something. By this point my alarm bells were going off and I told them I wasn't comfortable with doing that and they stopped messaging me. I e-mailed the company privately and they confirmed it was not them. I still get job offer emails like that first one though.
Also, I agree that no self-respecting employer would ever use this tactic to interview - after all, someone could pretend to be you interviewing for the job. The employers would be conning themselves in that case.
I know this video is a year old, but I WISH I had found this sooner. This scam just happened to me this week. They sent me a job offer via email, it's a legitimate company, the hiring manager does have a LinkedIn account, I saw the job posting on LinkedIn. Messaged through Telegram and kept the conversation there. But beat, for beat like this video says, every happened and they emptied my bank account. I just reported them the FDIC and I'm reporting them to the FBI.
Same thing happened to me last year. I was very skeptical but they used the identity of people who actually work at the company, like your situation, so my guard was more down than I wish it was.
Why do people need to spend so much to buy furniture for a remote position? I work remotely full time and I don't need any furniture. Just a laptop, which the company gave to me, and a desk and chair.
Unrelated question for you. Is "ghosting" a new thing in recruiting? In trying to follow up with my recruiter for a position I interviewed for, my messages (3 email, 1 phone call) all went unreplied to. I find this very unprofessional. She was very supportive and friendly leading up to the interview and expressed excitement (I'm sure she did the same for the other 2 candidates too).
Ghosting is not a really new thing is The thing, that said candidates are doing it to recruiters and employers right at this moment the cards have been reversed and is a trending that's not slowing down.
Ghosting is there thing for ever and ever now. They're awful. They love you when they need you but drop you like a ton of bricks if you can't help them out. I'm convinced that most recruiters are demons.
I almost fell into one just now. I got an interview from linkedin from someone who is allegedly from Aegon about a job in finance. But I don't have a finance background. She got hundreds of connections so I thought it was legit at first. During the interview, she explained the work involved. Even though I am not familiar with the financial terms, she was all too willingly explaining everything, it looked like she's selling me the service I am supposedly providing at work. That's where my suspicion came in. There is no way I would still get the job if it is apparent that I lack the required knowledge. Plus her actions do not match her position as a director as big as Aegon.
I just got the exact same approach. Skype interview is as far as I went before ghosting them and blocking texts. Thanks for the heads up! I might have fallen for it or at least wasted more time on it if I had not seen this.
I got a lot of interviews and eventually a job from LinkedIn recruiters. Typically they would message me on LinkedIn first though. But sometimes they would email or call me, since that info was on my resume
I've been contacted for legitimate companies in the past via LinkedIn. The recruiter gave an outline of the role and TD me the company name in the first message they sent. Hope this helps
I went exactly through what you just described a few months ago with a prospective “job offer”. The interview was entirely through a messaging app, sent what looked like a legitimate website to review, then the weird written questions, and 20 mins later I had a job!
Along with the offer comes their equipment requirements that you should pay for but the company will reimburse.
Long story short I went with my gut instinct and “declined” the offer. Of course I got no response and knew I dodged a bullet.
People suck.
I went through the same thing, but I use online banking and wasn't able to provide them with what they would need anyway. (I don't cash checks, only DD.) But it seemed a bit too fishy for me too.
and now this scammer has your personal info to sell...no bueno! ⚠️
so as long as i didnt give them bank info im ok ? just got scammed
Same, I went as a far as messenging the scammer through Telegram and answering the questions for the "interview." But then I called the actual company and they confirmed no such person works there and it's a scam. I immediately blocked them, but they still attempted to call my phone. Didn't answer. Then they text messaged "Why did you block your Hiring Manager on Telegram?!!" Blocked them on my phone. They really thought I was falling for it and freaked out when it wasn't so.🤣🤣🤣🤣 Luckily no bank info was given. At most they'll sell my info like my name and number to other scammers.😩
Just happened to me and once it felt shady I blocked them and deleted Skype. Unbelievable!!!
I don't care how desperate you are, never under any circumstances give someone money so you can work for them. If they tell you you need a license and you have to pay for it, walk away. If they tell you you need to buy a kit, find something else to do.
100% agree with this. No legitimate company or headhunter will require you to pay to play.
I was a victim of this one time and I learned my lesson
@@paulinejones9530 that sucks. I wish I could say I have never been scammed.
i remember a recruiter made me pay for a $50 security clearance before even an interview.
the clearance was legit but nothing came of it.
and for a while she strung me along but stopped taking my calls after a while.
@@Vzzdak the recruiter didn't take the money. but it was her duty to forward me the next process of getting the secret clearance. but she ghosted me and wasted my money. later employers all paid me for that plus the drive to and back for the fingerprints required.
A legitimate company will have an IT department and will always provide you with their equipment because it has to be configured for their firewalls, VPN, etc.
not necessarily
@@EyeWYT yes necessarily. No company that takes itself seriously grants Intranet access to employees personal devices.
@@nmtarav thats where you're wrong. It's a new trend called BYOD (bring your own device).. Especially if they use M365 and other online apps.
@@EyeWYT it doesnt matter what you use. Giving access to personal devices is just asking for a security breach. ive never heard of this trend although it wouldnt surprise me if it existed. Its why i mentioned serious companies.
When Covid hit I needed to use my personal laptop to remote into my assigned computer. A few months later they had me pick up a company laptop. At this point I would expect that the company would ship the basic hardware required but not office furniture.
No legitimate employer would trust that employees would not just take the money and run. They would order the supplies and ship them to you. Totally fishy!
Exactly. They would provide the equipment and have it shipped to you.
@@SoulsJourney that was my first thought i jumped in when i heard that about a laptop would be shipped also the price they claim to pay hourly I explained when it sounds to good to be true trust me its 99.99 percent that its to good to be true! to someone whose used to doing interviews in person. its a tragedy how this is happening way more then people know...
So true. I wish I hadn’t fell for this scam….
Yes they would! After several interviews the interviewee’s character is usually apparent enough to tell that he’s not a dipsh!t
Otherwise, every drug addict would sign up and skate with the money! I wish there was a way to reverse scam the scammers!
I’ve never seen someone so calm yet so irritated at the same time 🤣 yes, these ppl SUCK. I’ve been job scammed before. They didn’t steal my money but they damn sure stole my time and never paid me 😤
Which company was it ?
@@eogatservices1770 it was called shoplite logistics LLC 😒 ugh I still get annoyed thinking about that
My little brother delta with this EXACT same situation. They sent him a check for 7k and the job "paid" $25 an hour. We knew it sounded suspect so we took the check to the bank and in 3 minutes they told us it was a scam.
Wow, this actually happened to me this past week! Someone posed as an HR person from CVS for a remote position I saw online. Yup, they even sent me an "offer letter" in the email along with emailing me a "check" to purchase various computer and software equipment. A $3700 dollar check was sent to my email and I knew this was a scam attempt! BEWARE!
I have seen this in my job search back in like 2009. It was extremely difficult to spot. The profile pic on the g-chat was a linked-in picture of a legitimate customer services manager. The company name was a legitimate large corporation. They have basically scraped pictures to appear like these real people. I reached out to the corporation to try to report the scammers hurting their reputation but never heard back. I was also turned off by the seemingly poorly crafted interview questions. They didn't understand the work of data entry and it was a red flag that they were offering $30/hr for data entry work worth more like $15/hr. As this UA-camr pointed out, why would they hire you for a chat interview? But at that time I was desperate for any interviews. It's a difficult trap to spot. Great video!
I got hit by this several years ago when I was out of work. Called FBI, placed a report. Couldn't recover anything. Yes, there is a special place for those that target the disadvantaged.
One thing to consider is that the people executing the scam are more than likely someone that is disadvantaged themselves, struggling to make ends meet and doing whatever they can to get a paycheck. It is the ring leaders of the scams that deserve the special place.
@@nsshurtz its all people who take part in the scam. Dont justify scammers.
I had this happen to me. I figured it might be a scam because of the Skype text interview. As soon as they told me it was data entry for 35 dollars/hr? I knew it was bullshit. They basically said I had the job. No questions asked. They asked for all of my personal info. Instead of giving it to them, I had fun with them. I acted overly enthusiastic and started rapid-fire asking questions. They were, I'm guessing, taken aback. They said they'd be in touch later. Yeah. THEY wanted off the hook. I was like: No!! Wait!!!
They cut out of there. It's sick because if I was naiive and desperate, they probably would have scammed me. If all these scammers died tomorrow, I'd throw a party. You're invited! Bring chips!
They tried to scam me with the exact same thing I never used the money because I knew it was a scam and boom it bounced
in the past it was pretty transparent; no reasonable employer would allow WFH arrangements for fresh recruits.
post covid, however, these scams can now hide among a myriad of legitimate employment ads.
Hmm, I highly doubt your first statement about no reasonable employer allowing for WFH arrangements for fresh recruits in the past. Primarily because I was hired by very large company that doesn't provide the greatest of benefits, but they didn't have a probationary period before things like being able to work from home on occasion were allowed, so I imagine that companies that value their employees properly would have no issues with providing fresh recruits WFH setups before COVID.
@@nsshurtz Guess I shouldn't have spoken in absolutes.
Well done, *VortexTrace* - I’m grateful that you are actively combatting these individuals of low moral character. It is crucial that we take every possible action to protect the elderly and the general public from these detestable scammers! Congratulations to you!! You deserve the highest recognition for ensuring our safety, my friend.!!!!!😊
I applied to an online tutoring company on Indeed. Went through an interview process and was hired. The contract looked typical as well, as was the hourly pay.This company set up my tutoring schedule and asked for information so they can direct deposit my pay. After that I heard nothing from them! No links or software to use to tutor. Fortunately, my bank is really really small and does not approve anyone to withdraw money from my account unless I tell them it is ok. This tutoring company tried to drain my bank account. 😖
Imagine if you were at a job already and gave your 2 weeks! :(
Ohhhh I almost fell for that one, teaching Chinese kids English…no thanks
Yeah, they ask for id too. They want everything on a person so that they can fleece them. Glad they didn't t get you.
As with all scams, my initial thought is ‘who in the hell would be stupid enough to fall for this’… but then I’m reminded of a few people I know, very smart people from a tech background, who have fallen for similar scams.
People get desperate, and people with degrees and long years of professional work don't even consider working in stores and restaurants to scrape by (understandable, since such work simply has one still needing a different job).
Many people who have had long employment in good companies assume that they will get treated well and that the company is not out to fleece them. Then comes the fleece.
These scammers practice “ looking legit”
being smart and being street smart is not the same thing
Guess how GTA 6 ip got hacked? T😊hese scammers are absolutely ruthless
Facts!
I almost got caught by one of these some months ago; it went exactly as you described. I got very suspicious when they said I would have to buy my own equipment; a check was delivered without my consent that next day.
I took it to my own bank, and went directly to a bank officer instead of the counter; she didn't even have to glance at it twice, told me it was fake, and called the FBI.
I really needed another job, and ran into another scam just like the first one. This time, I had "fun" with them, and literally started an argument with them. (I soon after hired onto a local company, the usual way. I am still looking for remote side work, but that experience has taught me to be very cautious.)
Thank you for posting this video; these scammers have got a strong campaign here for the unwary.
Now some scammers are requiring you to use online banking and say they will email you a check for deposit. This way they don’t even have to bother mailing it to you. Special place in hell for these assholes!
So I am dealing with similar situations.
They are telling me to buy equipment and send them so they can install software and send it back to me .
Equipments are expensive and they even offer to assist in paying and I feel something is wrong.
They using they company Nielsen .
Now they have send me in past to get all my details and tbh I just realized that my credit card even called to check if I am opening new credit card .
How do I save myself since they have all my details now like my address ssn etc ? 😢
You are so right!@@Scoutmhen
Report it now to the FTC, they will help you.@@fishlife7073
Right now I'm about to start searching for a remote working job. thank you very much for this video.
I JUST GOT HIRED BY 2 COMPANIES BOTH REMOTE BOTH SENDING CHECKS LOL WTF MANG ! THE SEARCH CONTINUES, I LL KEEP YOU UPDATED HERE WHAT HAPPENS, ILL ASK MY BANK IF THEY ARE REAL FIRST THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO
People really know how to reinvent scams. The cheque scam has been around a while. When I was a student my landlord got scammed. The "students" were from out of town. They sent her a cheque or wire transfer for more than what was required for the deposit. Then they called her telling her how they sent her too much money and if she could send some back. So she did. But of course the money never cleared.
*VortexTrace* , your efforts in fighting these scammers are truly commendable!
We must do everything we can to shield the elderly and the public from these deceitful individuals. You're a true hero...
Brian, I noticed right away upon reading your attached transcript of the interview that there were several grammatical errors throughout, such as extra spaces between words, lowercase letters where there should have been capitalized letters, such as ms excel, ms word, etc. At one point in the interview, Stacy tells Mary that if hired she'd be working on a team, then later on asks her if she prefers working on a team or independently. (?). Just a lot of info that didn't make sense...that's the first thing that would have made me ? that whole interview..
Look for misspellings and wordiness of the English language. No legit company will tell you to go out and buy equipment. I WFH since 2014. Not once did a company tell me to purchase equipment with their check. Red Flag 🚩 for sure!
Absolutely. I WFH as well. I do use my own equipment but the company was not involved in that purchase. Had the computer already just needed a good headset I did get scam emails when I was searching for a job.
Although legit companies will ask for you to have specific equipment before you get the job. (Computer requirements, headset, etc...)
@@prissypants6601
where do you work from home?
I’m trying to do the same but it feels impossible
It’s really sad people fall for this. This is a recycled technique used in real estate too.
People should refrain from working for a company that can’t coordinate their own office supplies or asks for $ upfront with promise of reimbursement. Huge red flag!!!
Hi there! Heads up - I received similar fraud emails yesterday from "Amazon" and unfortunately they somehow created real Amazon email addresses and JDs too, but thanks to you and this video, I knew what nuances to look for. It's baffling how realistic this scam is including their sophisticated targeting. I'm happy to send you a screen grab of the email so you have it in your back pocket. Let me know, and thanks again for ALL your help! Stay safe out there folks.
They can't create real amazon emails. You need better email client, which shows you all information about the sender. Many new email clients hide this information.
Yes they are doing this now as well. Most of these scams are not that easy to catch anymore but there are still major red flags and most of them involve actually asking for money.
The crazy thing is I worked at Amazon Fresh and their interview process was completely contactless. I never spoke to a person, never had any type of formal interview just a test and then some interview questions to answer and then an email letting me know I was hired. I was sent some links for training to complete before reporting on my first day. I didn't actually connect with a person until I showed up to start at amazon fresh and the entire process was completely legit but it wasn't until I actually started that I felt comfortable I wasn't being scammed. Strangest hiring process ever.
@@beautifulinfinidee7233 very interesting.
Never ever mix you money with any company money.
Another scammer tell is the use of free email accounts. Be super careful of any potential employer approaching you from a gmail account. Ask them to resend their email through the company's domain account. A legit employer won't have any problem with this request. If they can't or won't, don't engage with them any further.
Fundamentally, a job is about an employer transferring money to the employee. The moment a prospective "employer" asks me to shell out money for a job, I'm immediately thinking SCAM.
It´s a scam, no employer would let you pay for the equipment for the job
I got a job that was a legitimate work from home offer just after the onset of the pandemic. I interviewed online through zoom, was hired about a week later, and had a laptop, two large monitors, a keyboard, mouse and docking station sent straight to my home. No "you buy the equipment" nonsesne. I did buy a cheap desk, but that's it.
It's a great job (I still have it), and I have all the perks of working from home. My commute consists of walking from the living room to the office space I have set up in the spare bedroom. My wife and daughter both bring me (too many) plates of food throughout the day. My dog occasioinally comes in the room and starts hopping up and closing the laptop with her nose because she wants attention. And the pay is pretty good too. The legit opportunities are out there.
Hi, Can I know please the name of the company you're working for? I am passing through the same experience, I am supposed to start to work the following monday but I am still skeptical is too good to be true
SCAM
A bank can reverse a check as much as 30 days after depositing it. So it can look like it clears and then the money "taken back" by the bank a month later.
Correct. Counterfeit checks often contain account numbers and routing information of legitimate companies... fraud is usually caught later when account is being reconciled
This is what people don't understand, it called stop payment. Years ago, when in the helicopter business I only excepted certified checks and waited for them to clear or had the bank clear the check manually by calling the issuer bank and telling them to clear the check. I learned the hard way back then.
This nearly happened to someone I know who wants to supplement her retirement. She "interviewed" with a company for a position. Before her first "assignment" they sent her this check that she was supposed to deposit first. Afterward, she was supposed to contact them and she'd get the details for her first assignment where she could keep some of the proceeds of the check as payment for her assignment. She showed me the check and I immediately told her it was a scam and not to deposit it.
It's horrible that people keep doing this to people who are so vulnerable already.
If your first assignment is to deposit a check, then run!
Sounds exactly like the scam I fell for. Long story short they didn’t get a dime of my money. I feel bad for the people who get taken this way.
They got me too or tried to. They used a local small business to put an ad up on Indeed. I applied, interviewed, got "hired" (all thru email) found out it was a scam but didn't let them know until after they sent me a check and I acted like I was depositing it in my account. It seemed really legit until they said I had to deposit a check.
Edit: It was for a personal assistant
Yup, pretty freaking sad for them to take advantage of people trying to better themselves and find better work, especially, as you said, right after/during these last few years. Disgusting.
They attempted this scam on me. It was all well and good until I got a "job offer" with no more than a phone call varying that my email and location were correct; it was way too easy to get this "job"
They sent me the "job offer" that basically outlined the same details as mentioned in the article (pay is this much, training schedule will involve setting up your home office etc)
At this point, I looked more into it, and found out that the email address they used did NOT use the exact same extension as legitimate emails from that company.
My big tip is to VERIFY that the job posting/person is legit. Look up their name and email and make sure they are accurate and related to the company. And if something feels wrong, it almost certainly is!
2:30 some part of me really really believed that COVID, that rare event that affected everyone, will unify humanity.
Alas, no.
plagues have happened countless times throughout the course of history and none of them have brought humanity together.
there’s a war and scammers found a way to exploit it and scam people out of their money
In the beginning of the pandemic, I had one of these interviews from a LinkedIn post. There were many red flags from the email address to the time/speed they contacted me, but I still went ahead with the interview. A less than a handful of questions in, it was clear that the other party was either a bot or going off a script because they kept asking questions while I was trying to ask why the job isn't posted on their official site.
I hate to say this, but before Covid 75 to 90 percent of remote work jobs were scams. After covid, while there may be remote work jobs out there, the scammers are still doing it. So, yes, a vital and important video to post. Thanks!
Someone tried this scam on me last week. I caught it very quickly, blocked and deleted.
Been seeing them using WhatsApp in Canada. Lot of this on Indeed. Looks like a great job, promises remote, uses the name of a company you would know and asks for an interview on whatsapp.
I get approached by companies wanting to interview me via Google Hangouts at least once a month. When I ask them to call me, they never do. There are a TON of folks out there looking to steal money from *unemployed workers*. What the hell kind of people are these? The lowest of the freakin' low.
Can you discuss the scammy Indian Recruiters? Particularly in IT
My hubby’s getting those scammy calls every freaking day!!! They look at your Indeed profile…
This happened to me last summer. I have to say it was an interesting experience and I almost fell for parts of it but they were paying way too much for the job.
Thank you. My friend just got scammed by this yesterday!she told me she got a job n asked me what I thought because she was excited. (Also she has been out of work for about 8 months) yesterday it seemed to pass my smell test. I woke up having coffee still not convinced so I did a UA-cam search and found this. She has not received the check yet, So thanks to your video! I will be able to save her today! good job brother
10:38 "This to me sounds extremely scammy" I think you are referring to the bits about a check and purchasing kit yourself, but just the word "software's" would set of my scam detector big time regardless of the errant apostrophe, if it was not already. I've baited countless cold call tech support scammers and this is always in their script, so if this is supposed to be a job in the US either you are chatting with an outsourced recruiter and/or someone using a poorly written script both of which reflect poorly on the company in my book or a straight up scammer as this is not common parlance for multiple computer programs.
I played along and tossed the check, and told the scammers that the bank said the check was made incorrectly and that they called the FBI, that whoever's made it had done a bad or incorrect job creating it.
I sent in a resume a few years ago to what I thought was a bank (probably wasn't). I got an email back saying I was to call them and I was given a phone number. I called the number and told the lady who answered I was told to call this number and I had applied for the position. She said that in order to go to the next step in the interview process I would need to have all my money, RRSP, etc. in their bank "so we can monitor your finances". I hadn't even gotten to any interview yet and there was no guarantee even if I did all that I would get the job. Well, I declined for two reasons: I had some money in one bank and some in another, neither were the bank in question. And then I also thought - your employer monitoring your finances - what could possibly go wrong?? LOL In hindsight I believe I dodged a huge bullet as this probably was not even a bank and if I had put my money into the "account" they wanted they probably would have taken it and run.
Are there still checks available in banks? WOW! I haven't used checks in more than 15 years... personally or professionally.
Very few jobs require you to pay out of pocket for job related items, but those are usually along the lines like footwear like steel toed boots which are things a job seeker would reasonably already have.
And some clothing, in case they wanna zoom call you
So funny, hehehehehe@@sebas8225
Just found my bf going through a "data entry" application. He was excited to receive a free mac book and pay of 38$ an hour... Long story a short, they used almost the exact script Stacy did. Claiming to be a company called "american pharmaceutical review". All these amazing benefits, and he got hired in an hour! I showed him they aren't verified with BBB, nor did I see any sign of them on indeed or glassdoor. I took over the skype text interview and asked the Hr manager who was interviewing to show proof of the companies legitimacy. They left me on read.... so I sent them a link to this video! I thought about this channel instantly because its helped me weed through my own struggles with job searches and trusting potential employers. Thanks a ton man. You're saving lives with this work!!!
I was approached a couple times by companies using similar methods. In each case, you have to ask yourself why a company is doing things in a way that is out of the ordinary. Why would they send you a check instead of just shipping you the required equipment? If in doubt, just ask. If the answer doesn't make sense, run away as quickly as possible, then report it to the platform they used to contact you. Also look up the person who contacted you to see if the person works for them.
Hi Bryan,
In my former job, I processed payments and refunds. Whenever someone requested a refund that was paid for by check, it was our policy that we had to wait six weeks for the check to clear before issuing the refund. Have a blessed day.
This is interesting. I dont think I came across scams in my recent job search but I'm sure I came across them when I was looking for a room or studio to rent. The ad wouldn't have photos of the inside of the house or they'd want to run a credit check before I'd even viewed the listing. Just weird stuff that seemed off. Always gotta be on the lookout for scams!
If there is no photo, why even bother wasting your time? People have had phones with cameras for the last 2 decades, so what excuse could there possibly be for them not having photos of a place for rent?
Rental scams are big in areas with low vacancy rates. Never send money or personal information without viewing the space you're looking to rent... even then do your homework. In my city someone had access to a vacant house, posed as the owner and was collecting deposits from various prospective renters. Imagine the disaster when multiple families showed up with their moving trucks on the first of the month.
I agree that if the company is legitimate and the job offer is real, the company would have bought all the equipment ahead of time n THEN shipped it to the new hire AFTER the hire was made, ie the company should be making tgat investment. Mailing a check to the new hire n asking them to purchase everything? That's a recipe for disaster!
Thanks for the info. I usually do some research on the individuals that have contacted me online along with the company to see if anyone has anything negative about them.
Was in a similar situation but they told me I had to get a full health check before I could start and obviously the company couldn't pay for it with their reason being if I was 'unhealthy' to work, they would've wasted their money. Best part is they promised to send me the offer letter by the next day before I would go for the health check the following week.
The letter never came and there was no response from the employer.
Also, another red flag was they were trying to promise me senior position with high salary (job advertised was junior position with market price salary) due to my qualifications and they were 'impressed' with me during interview.
Any time anybody wants to send you a check for any reason, it's a scam. I had a company send me a check once. I just looked at it longingly, because I could have really used that money, but I knew it was a fake. So cruel.
It's a good rule to see if you can match the position opening to the website as part of basic research.
Can you please make more videos about remote / work from home work?
Thank God I looked into this before doing anything damaging! Thank you for laying out how the scam works as I was able to instantly identify I was wasting my time.
I just went through this. I don't think enough people know this is going on today.
You are correct
I was offered $30 hr for a work at home job. I almost quit my regular job because of this😂 They actually got my information from Indeed.
I almost fell into the bud light car wrap scam. Red flag was the Guy told me to call right before I deposit the check. Better yet when you are standing outside. I then looked it up found all the people that have been scanned. This is the exact same way.
Some scammers will use "Google Hangouts" as a meeting location which should be a red flag. I never use Google's Hangouts, for anything, and no one else will either. A scammer tried this very scam, 4 years ago on me. Got a "physical" check for office supplies, but I checked on known scams around the web. And this one has been around for at least 4 or 5 years.
Thanks for the heads up!
If someone literally asks you, "Why would you describe yourself at work?," then you know something's off.
I've gotten these scams three times. Each time they request that I download and use Signal for the interview. I did it the first time but stopped the "interview" when they listed the software and hardware I would need. What I found most bemusing was the position was remote supporting another state, but I would be required to buy a $2000 laser printer
Happened to me yesterday from a job board. Yup if someone wants to give u a check? HELL NO!! and the email was a random address, not a company address.. Shared your vid. Thnx
Happened to me too but I got suspicious during the 'interview' - the questions were really weirdly phrased and the " "interviewer " acted unprofessionally - getting impatient, annoyed, trying to intimidate me and rush me to answer faster. When he then mention the equipment and asked me for my address to send the cheque I was sure what I am dealing with. Very sad that people like that exist. I was lucky, the behavior of the scammer gave him away fast but it left me very desolate afterwords for a long while. Losing a job makes you feel hopeless anyway and then you enter unfriendly world of fraud and scams.
A long time ago, a friend invited me to some company job orientation that wanted $400 to be hired and all what you would be doing is pass out flyers for them or other stupid things. One employee even told me if I was going to school, they would go to my school and give me my lunch money...LMAO. And I replied even if I was going to school, I wouldn't want you to embarrass me by giving me lunch money, I'm not seven years old. Another employee also said many people don't come back to their company after paying the $400. Years later, I drove down to see if the same business was there and somehow they weren't there anymore :LMAO:
Praise the Lord and Heavenly father as I thank him and you for this video and the comment section as you guys just help save me from getting scammed
Some of these random scam companies would randomly ask you to join a telegram chat! that is a scam! Also don't respond to texts or emails out of blue of a company that you never applied to!
I've been through this. I hung up on the Google chat thing they had set up. As soon as he talked Bank info I was gone. Gone Gone Gone. I said we don't talk about that until I get legit paperwork ect. They didn't scam me!
This just happened to me!! Congratulations, you’ve got the job. I let whoever know this is too good true and this process gave me scam vibes. Obviously, No response! I write the actual company to let them know there is someone using their company for scams.
Yeah, encountered something similar twice; once it happened to my wife, once was directed to me: fully-text interview (SMS/E-mail with Word attachments) and the BIG RED FLAG was the interviewer was saying I had to buy new equipment for them.
I've been on job market for the last 3 weeks and have 4 of these scam attempts. I almost fell for it the first time around.
Stephen just like you did, learn to listen, they usually tell off on themselves. The scammer did not even come close because the (Cheap) me knows better. FYI you want to send me a check with my name to purchase your equipment? Are you insane? I may be cheap but I am sure not crazy. Its sad that people don't have anything else better to do in life. But like my Grandad use to say be careful Life will find you out. Good luck on your search stay smart stay vigilant you will get what you are looking for.
The fact that they hire you on the spot and don't even do a face to face interview should be dead giveaways. Some people are pretty desperate I suppose.
They often target people who haven't worked much in the corporate world. If you've only worked local retail or just got out of high school, you don't know much about how companies work.
@@joegoss30 Yeah although most people have some idea on how interviews work. It's never just over messenger and then telling you 'you're hired' like 5 minutes later lol.
Thank you for this video. We knew something was off about this interview process. It was beat for beat how you described only using Macy’s as a front. Beware!
Wow! I have been working for the last 4.5+ years and still there, no plans of leaving, but started looking for remote jobs for the extra income. Just 3 days ago, responded to a recruiter wanting to do an interview using Skype. Which turned into skype text messaging for 2 hours. Many almost identical questions, got hired, and told I would receive a check to cover equipment costs, etc, etc. I started seeing red flags, so went to my bank manager to get his opinion which was very much like mine.
THEN, took it a step further and went to BBB website, which has a scam checker link, and LO and BEHOLD!, there is that same company, with almost identical details as the ones I experienced, and it was reported to BBB the same day I got hit! Too good to be true is right!
Do your best to scam the scammers, nothing more satisfying than winding them up or even using their own scam against them.
THEY GOT MY ASS!😞
Thank you for sharing this helpful video!
The time I encountered this scam it all fell apart for the scammer at the point when they spoke of the materials required for the role. In my case it was just a few software licenses to be acquired with the check, but here's where it all fell apart. Literally everything the scammer was asking me to requisition were things I already had and when I pointed that out, I got ghosted immediately.
I think you are so fabulous and I wish more recruiters were like you. Trying to take advantage of someone that needs a job is pretty low! Most people know to never buy their own equipment, a typical company would order it for you. But some people are less experienced and I could see how this could happen. Shame!
Wow 😳. Thanks for the heads up
Who even uses checks? That's only one of the red flags.
I had a small company try to not reimburse me for flight and hotel to come to the interview. Ignored my emails for a month, when I threatened small claims and pointed out I'd add the cost of flying in for the small claims court date, they paid. Claimed the only guy who could sign checks had been on vacation for a month
Shady... but likely operating with no capital.
I wish luck to all job seekers. My fiancé received a box of computer equipment from his new employer (August 2022) and I was kinda skeptical but it all worked out, very legit company and they've never had him pay for his equipment.
Yes. They ordered and sent him the equipment, right? He didn’t have to deposit any check and then buy the equipment with that money? Also, did they give him a sign on bonus or any pay upfront? Usually, for bonuses, you have to work a certain amount of time before getting the bonus. Companies don’t usually give you money upfront because if you don’t fulfill your end of the bargain, they’re either out that money or have to try to get it back from you.
I'm betting the channel Jim Browning would be really interested in this type of scan. He follows computer scams all the way back to the source, as in exact location and is able to pull screen captures and security cams to watch the operation.
I've watched some of those videos on the channel. Really cool what he can do.
Jim Browning is great!
I think Atomic Shrimp did one on these exact job scams a while back.
This has happened to me, but not for a remote work job. One was for a modeling gig, but I had to buy particular things in a VERY short period of time. I also received a check via instant delivery, which i was told was to buy the required things with, and then would be compensated further after the work began. I think this was over a weekend, so I knew the check wouldn't clear before the "supposed" gig started. It just seemed "wrong" to me, so I ripped up the check and moved on.
This also highlights the consumer benefits of using your credit card for purchases. Since the office equipment was never delivered, it would be easy to contact the CC company and get the charges reversed.
Couple of months ago I applied for job for remote data entry. A "recruiter" contacted me and set up.an interview through Google chat - posed as a legit company. Wanted to send money to my bank account for me get equipment from their "preferred vendots" . I asked what was my responbilirt regarding that equipment if I decided to discontinue the job - would I be responsible for paying that back. Woman interviewing me via chat kept avoiding the question. Also wanted me to get equipment that nothing to do with data entry (I.e. bar code printer etc)
I ended the interview - too sketchy.
I went through a scam almost exactly like this a few months ago, only the interview was via Telegram. Same exact script, but what caught my eye was the "interviewer's" rude and abrasive demeanor, followed by "you need to purchase a laptop and all the software through this vendor." The entire process from start to finish felt extremely off, almost to a comical degree. I've never gone through an interview via text, plus I've never just been hired on the spot like that. I wanted to see where this scam went, so I indulged them for a while longer before calling them out.
I've adopted a new rule for myself while communicating with recruiters. If I detect an Indian accent, I cease all contact.
This has happened to me too! But when I took their check to the bank, they stated it was a scam & I was horrified!!! You put in your time and info to a false company. I even researched the location of the company. It has fake pics for the organization too.
I had this scam happen to me recently. The scammer was spoofing a real company and was impersonating their actual CFO. I deposited the check but then got very suspicious at the instructions to forward the money and called my bank immediately to report it. Feel like a sucker, but at least I didn't send any money out.
Just imagen what an intelligent scammer is able to do. When will we be able to realize we are being scammed on all levels, all from buying a second hand car and all the way up to the top level in politics?
So dam true
Informative. I had a friend experience this, it was disappointing. I do challenge the thought/categorization of names as ‘normal sounding’. It is laced with bias and not relevant in my view. Thank you for increasing awareness of this unfortunate practice.
Yes, this happened to me. I was contacted by a recruiter, interviewed through a messaging app-with real interview questions. Someone called my house posing as the HR manager of a company to offer me the "job". But, the voice sounded different than the face on the website. I didn't accept the "job".
i want to thank you for sharing this. I just got a check from a weird guy pretended he is a hiring manager for a company. he overnighted this check via FedEx to me .
I'm a concept artist. I get a scam very similar to this emailed to me once a week. They email as a legit game company offering a job. I almost fell for it the first time, they had me interview over telegram. Once some red flags came up (like training. This isn't wendy's. It's for concept art, I already know how to draw lol) and they pressured me to buy equipment or send them bank info or something. By this point my alarm bells were going off and I told them I wasn't comfortable with doing that and they stopped messaging me. I e-mailed the company privately and they confirmed it was not them. I still get job offer emails like that first one though.
Delete them don't even open them.
Also, I agree that no self-respecting employer would ever use this tactic to interview - after all, someone could pretend to be you interviewing for the job. The employers would be conning themselves in that case.
I know this video is a year old, but I WISH I had found this sooner. This scam just happened to me this week.
They sent me a job offer via email, it's a legitimate company, the hiring manager does have a LinkedIn account, I saw the job posting on LinkedIn. Messaged through Telegram and kept the conversation there. But beat, for beat like this video says, every happened and they emptied my bank account.
I just reported them the FDIC and I'm reporting them to the FBI.
I feel like i've been a target lately of a google drive scam on linkedin . Have you experienced that as well
Same thing happened to me last year. I was very skeptical but they used the identity of people who actually work at the company, like your situation, so my guard was more down than I wish it was.
What else did you do?
Why do people need to spend so much to buy furniture for a remote position? I work remotely full time and I don't need any furniture. Just a laptop, which the company gave to me, and a desk and chair.
Unrelated question for you. Is "ghosting" a new thing in recruiting? In trying to follow up with my recruiter for a position I interviewed for, my messages (3 email, 1 phone call) all went unreplied to. I find this very unprofessional. She was very supportive and friendly leading up to the interview and expressed excitement (I'm sure she did the same for the other 2 candidates too).
Ghosting is not a really new thing is The thing, that said candidates are doing it to recruiters and employers right at this moment the cards have been reversed and is a trending that's not slowing down.
Unfortunately it is so that new, and it is real!
Ghosting is there thing for ever and ever now. They're awful. They love you when they need you but drop you like a ton of bricks if you can't help them out. I'm convinced that most recruiters are demons.
I almost fell into one just now. I got an interview from linkedin from someone who is allegedly from Aegon about a job in finance. But I don't have a finance background. She got hundreds of connections so I thought it was legit at first. During the interview, she explained the work involved. Even though I am not familiar with the financial terms, she was all too willingly explaining everything, it looked like she's selling me the service I am supposedly providing at work. That's where my suspicion came in. There is no way I would still get the job if it is apparent that I lack the required knowledge. Plus her actions do not match her position as a director as big as Aegon.
If a potential employer requires you to pay ANY money as part of the offer...IT'S A SCAM.
I just got the exact same approach. Skype interview is as far as I went before ghosting them and blocking texts. Thanks for the heads up! I might have fallen for it or at least wasted more time on it if I had not seen this.
Good to know. What are your thoughts on recruiters who find you on Linkedin/job boards & contact you via email?
many are legit - just do your due diligence before you engage them.
I got a lot of interviews and eventually a job from LinkedIn recruiters. Typically they would message me on LinkedIn first though. But sometimes they would email or call me, since that info was on my resume
I've been contacted for legitimate companies in the past via LinkedIn. The recruiter gave an outline of the role and TD me the company name in the first message they sent. Hope this helps
They can communicate through the US Mail, FedEx, or UPS.
@@paulbrower3297 very outdated and slow way to get the hiring process moving.