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Job scammed...help.

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Anonymous

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Job scammed...help.

Last week, after being unemployed 10 months, I finally got an interview, for a remote design job that was the answer to my prayers. Shortly after an extensive interview, being offered the position and accepting, and e-signing a contract and providing my ID, they emailed me a check, that they wanted me to print and deposit. I absolutely would not - that was when I discovered the HR manager was a fake profile and it was all a total scam. People are so cruel.

Besides the loss of my week to blocking, reporting, and taking steps to protecting myself from identity theft, the crushing emotional and psychological toll has been unreal. This week I want to apply to jobs, only to read everything as a scam waiting to happen. I'm also trained to be really good at spotting phishing emails and am beyond angry at myself for letting this happen.

So at this stage I have reported their emails and have not in any way responded to the instructions regarding the fake check deposit. But today, I'm getting phone calls that I won't answer, as they sent a recorded vm requesting "approval for the purchase of a MacBook on your Amazon account." Unreal.

My question is - do I send them a scathing email reply, telling them I know this is job fraud, the contract is fake, they've been reported, and to cease and desist? Or is any further contact with them a terrible idea at this point?

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  1. Anonymous

    My suggestion: Block them from your email and phone. They'll get the hint. Yes, report them to every system you know and to the BBB. Was this an email phishing attempt, or was it posted on a job board? If it was on a board, report them to the board. Responding to them, even answering a phone call or text, will verify your email address and phone number are accurate. Also, talk to your state's Attorney General to see if there is any way that criminal charges can be drawn up against them. Save all email addresses and phone numbers, as the authorities need them. Be grateful you bit the bullet and did not deposit the check. If you gave them your SSN, contact Social Security to see what protections you can set up for improper use for credit or SSA benefits.

  2. Mara

    I had a similar experience in which I came to the exact same conclusion that it was a fraud, and I wasn't about to deposit a bogus check either I actually called the banks fraud division to turn them in.

  3. Anonymous

    I’m curious did you Google the company or look at better business bureau? I have been contacted by 3rd parties alot for recruiting jobs. I’m employed and not seeking. They are a bear to get rid of. Report it the FTC. There’s an article out there that addresses job scams. Also, I’m in higher Ed, so not sure you’d be open to working for a state agency but they have an internal process which is safer. So sorry this happened. Hang in there!

  4. Anonymous

    Sending them a scathing email? Are you serious? They know exactly what they are doing. What exactly do you think you would accomplish other than waste more time and energy? Honestly they could care less. It's a numbers game.

    I'm so glad you didn't take this any further and didn't lose any money.

    Move on and put this behind you.

  5. Joie Cook

    I'm so sorry this happened/is happening to you! My recommendation is to forgo any further communication with them. If they don't stop sending emails or calling you, you can let them know that you have reported them to the police and that any further communication will be used against them as evidence of harassment. While it may be a lie/not the whole truth, I've found that phishers tend to drop off the face of the earth in response to threats regarding the police. Hope this helps!

  6. Anonymous

    The only other thing I would add is go to your Amazon account (assuming you have one) and verify there is no order for a MacBook. I have gotten several email texts/voicemails indicating that a MacBook would be charged to my account and giving me a phone number to respond. DO NOT respond or follow any links involved; they will send you to a bogus company/website to gain your Amazon credentials. It may also be able to report this scam to Amazon, but I'm not sure. I got the emails/texts even though I did NOT go through the interview like you did, so they are out to get you and can be very persistent. It is sad when people prey on some of us who are the most vulnerable. You are right to be vigilant about this. I only kept an eye on my Amazon account and nothing happened (thankfully).

  7. Rae Wagoner

    Depending on what information you gave them in the "hiring" paperwork, it may be wise to subscribe to credit monitoring and/or put a block on your social security number with the three major companies.

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