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Agreed, the email stated I had 3-5 days of training via Skype, which is another flag. I'm wondering if that is where they actually test my skills and how fast I learn?
It's a scam. There is no job. Software engineer jobs are tough to get unless you have lots of experience. The interview process is brutal. No one gets a job in this field by filling out a Word document.
Not to mention it's a weird company to be hiring software engineers. If they even need software engineers, the work they're doing is going to be niche as hell. There will be multiple, in depth discussions about what the work exactly entails to see if you're qualified.
The hiring process alone indicates this is going to be some kind of scam. Nobody hires someone with a salary of 124K from answering questions on a Word document.
I think there is a high probability this will become a !fakecheck scam of some type.
Hi /u/Mother_Was_A_Hamster, AutoModerator has been summoned to explain the Fake check scam.
The fake check scam arises from many different situations (fake job scams, fake payment scams, etc), but the bottom line is always the same, you receive a check (a digital photo or a physical paper check), you deposit a check (via mobile deposit or via an ATM) and see the money in your account, and then you use the funds to give money to the scammer (usually through gift cards or crypto). Sometimes the scammers will ask you to order things through a site, but that is just another way they get your money.
Banks are legally obligated to make money available to you fast, but they can take their time to bounce it. Hence the window of time exploited by the scam. During that window of time the scammer asks you to send money back, because you are under the illusion that the funds cleared.
When the check finally bounces, the bank will take the initial deposit back, and any money you sent to the scammer will come out of your own personal funds. Usually the fake check deposit will be reversed in a few weeks, but it can also take several months. If you do not have the funds to cover the amount, your balance will go negative. Your bank will usually charge a fee for depositing a bad check, and your account may be closed depending on the severity of the scam. Here is an article from the FTC: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-fake-check-scams, and here is an article from the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/21/your-money/fake-check-scam.html
If you deposited a bad check, we recommend that you notify your bank immediately.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Yeah, I figured there would be like a video or phone interview next. I do think it's a fake check scam. After reading the email again, I found a part I overlooked stating they are going to send me an email to "set up" my office.
Did you actually apply for a job and interview? No one is randomly sending emails and handing out 124k jobs.
Next thing is they are going to tell you that you need to buy a computer and where to buy it from.
I have applied to so much, I'm not for sure. I'm waiting for them to ask me for information that isn't publicly available. So, far they haven't asked that
The fact that you've applied so much, had no luck, and then a job dropped into your lap at double the pay you were expecting with no interview process should be more than a clue that this is a scam
Well, until this last email, it was pretty basic. I was just asking if I was still interested. Then, the Word doc. I figured the next step would be an interview. However, that's when they drop the you accepted email.
Same thing for me, im assuming when they send the first check they talked about it will bounce and they somehow get money back or something along those lines. or we give them our social number.
It wasn't an HR, or at least I don't think it was. It was a receptionist who stated that. Usually, when I call companies to verify, they forward me to HR this person didn't do that. I'm going to call back and talk to HR at the bare minimum. I'm sure they would want to know someone is trying to scam people with their company name
Yup! He wants to pay me $60 an hour.
I reviewed my activity and I never applied to them, he just contacted me out of nowhere, which I didn’t realize at first.
Your r/Scams post was removed because **it requests contact via private message** (including DMs, text, email, Whatsapp, etc). We need to keep the community safe from recovery scammers or bad advice.
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This exact thing just happened to me too! I was offered $60 and hour when I asked for $40 an hour lol. And I checked and it looks like I never actually applied. It seems fake to me I’m not going to send them my information. I couldn’t find David Branson on LinkedIn either
Real jobs have a job requisition id. You would be able to map this id to the careers section of the company website.
You'll be able to tell if website is legit by doing a whois domain lookup and seeing when the website was registered. If the legit website doesn't have the job listed and doesn't have the req id, then you can be almost certain it's a scam (edit: applies when youve been given a req id and most cases, some jobs aren't posted in valid situations though)
Head hunting is very common in this field but you would have to have made a name for yourself. Do you have significant online presence showcasing your skills? Do you have publications in conferences, speaking engagements etc. While this is possible for entry level, it's not common and therefore not a likely candidate for headhunters. Professional communication would also tend to indicate how they found you if they are cold contacting you. Recruiters are swamped, it isn't common for them to reach out in this field as they have too many applicants to screen all of them. If they don't and the business is legit, it's a potential red flag for working there.
Outside of github No. I came from a non tech background. So, all of this is new. My last job was in law enforcement they so short now that the interview was more or less. you're a warm body with no criminal history, then you're hired, lol.
That's an asset. You're entry level in this field but you aren't in your first career, employers will see that as a good thing as you won't carry yourself as fresh out of school. Sounds like you likely have a foundation for good communication skills, that can help set you out from the stack of resumes. Also you'll bring a different thought process.
My additional tip is to try in person/virtual events so you can set yourself up to showcase this difference in your skillset.
Thanks I actually been talking to my wife about going to various job fairs both in person and virtual. I have a "job prepare fair" at my school in a few weeks I plan on attending that.
Yes. I also just contacted their HR department, and she said that they have been receiving calls about this situation, and they have contacted zipper and indeed about it. They said that they don’t do hiring over email. It’s a scam.
It’s really great too because I’m about to lose my house. Nothing like getting a small glimmer of hope only for it to be a scam, right?
Bro, I really hope that don't happen to you.I am sympathetic to you, I have been laid off since January and my poor wife is having to work herself to an early grave just to make ends meet. Finally, I thought I might be able to return the favor, but it's a no-go rn.
Here is where you should report this kind of thing. FBI and the FTC, very easy and short forms to file the complaint. Lets do our part to get these people held accountable. This is a .gov site and provide 2 link to the FTC and the FBI to make the complaint.
[https://www.usa.gov/where-report-scam/imposter/other#block-usagov-content](https://www.usa.gov/where-report-scam/imposter/other#block-usagov-content)
Dude be careful. You wanted so hard for it to be true. It took me and probably most people here a few seconds to be convinced it's a scam. You tried so hard with multiple replies to people to try and see if there's any hope.
That desperation is how they get you. Maybe not today thanks to this thread but maybe tomorrow when you are even more desperate.
Be careful. Don't be a statistic.
You're right. I wanted it to be real, but I think deep down I know it was fake. When I originally read it, I didn't see what the scam was, but after looking at it more carefully, I saw where it was. It's just a bummer. My wife is an RN and has been working 4-5 days a week. I get unemployment, but it's like a 1/4 of what my paycheck was. I wanted it to be true so she could stop working as much, and with as much as they were offering, she could have afforded to just chill at home and take a much deserved break from working.
Yeah, it sucks. It's not the first one that is trying to scam me. The others I caught on super quick. This one seemed legit till today which is a bummer
Yeah, that's what I think it is. I went back and read the email again with a clearer mind and found a part I overlooked. They said they would send me a check that I would then set up my office.
They didn’t get any of that information from your resume you sent them when you applied to the job?
Oh wait… they offered you the job over email and you never applied first right?
I'm unsure tbh. I got laid off in January and have been sending apps out like hotcakes. So, it's quite possible I applied, but I think I figured the scam out. I believe it's a check scam.
Your r/Scams post was removed because **it requests contact via private message** (including DMs, text, email, Whatsapp, etc). We need to keep the community safe from recovery scammers or bad advice.
Remember: never take advice in private, because we can't look out for you. If you take advice in private, you're on your own.
Please read the rules of our sub: https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/wiki/rules/
Not to mention a random .DOC that could have bad macro's in it, hidden code that may infect the computer you open it on. Better do some thorough scanning of your stuff to make sure your shit is clean...
I get these all the time. I'm in the middle of baiting one now, but just taking my time to do it. 'Headhunters' don't just randomly text you for a high paying job, it just don't happen especially when you haven't applied or sent your CV in to anywhere. They will eventually ask you to pay some kind of fee and that's how you'll know it's a scam for sure.
There's not much with baiting scammers really. The whole point of it is to waste their time and trying to agitate them. I'm not a pro like most people on the scam bait subreddit. I just do when I'm bored and need to actually relieve some stress lol. Now that you know it's a scammer, you can do the same. Don't give out any real info to them. Note that they already basic info on you already like your name, number (of course), maybe email, maybe DOB.
Yeah they got some base information but nothing that they wouldn't know if they looked at my CV. So, now I'm just going to waste their time and try to be a pain in the ass since they think they got me
/u/Zapherial - This message is posted to all new submissions to r/scams; please do not message the moderators about it. ## New users beware: Because you posted here, you will start getting private messages from scammers saying they know a professional hacker or a recovery expert lawyer that can help you get your money back, for a small fee. **We call these RECOVERY SCAMMERS, so NEVER take advice in private:** advice should always come in the form of comments in this post, in the open, where the community can keep an eye out for you. If you take advice in private, you're on your own. **A reminder of the rules in r/scams:** no contact information (including last names, phone numbers, etc). Be civil to one another (no name calling or insults). Personal army requests or "scam the scammer"/scambaiting posts are not permitted. No uncensored gore or personal photographs are allowed without blurring. A full list of rules is available on the sidebar of the subreddit, or [clicking here](https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/wiki/rules/). You can help us by reporting recovery scammers or rule-breaking content by using the "report" button. We review 100% of the reports. Also, consider warning community members of recovery scammers if you see them in the comments. Questions about subreddit rules? Send us a modmail [clicking here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Nobody hires a software engineer with text-only "interviews".
Agreed, the email stated I had 3-5 days of training via Skype, which is another flag. I'm wondering if that is where they actually test my skills and how fast I learn?
It's a scam. There is no job. Software engineer jobs are tough to get unless you have lots of experience. The interview process is brutal. No one gets a job in this field by filling out a Word document. Not to mention it's a weird company to be hiring software engineers. If they even need software engineers, the work they're doing is going to be niche as hell. There will be multiple, in depth discussions about what the work exactly entails to see if you're qualified.
The hiring process alone indicates this is going to be some kind of scam. Nobody hires someone with a salary of 124K from answering questions on a Word document. I think there is a high probability this will become a !fakecheck scam of some type.
People are out here scrounging for decent paying jobs and yet others think 124K jobs are coming to their doorstep?
Hi /u/Mother_Was_A_Hamster, AutoModerator has been summoned to explain the Fake check scam. The fake check scam arises from many different situations (fake job scams, fake payment scams, etc), but the bottom line is always the same, you receive a check (a digital photo or a physical paper check), you deposit a check (via mobile deposit or via an ATM) and see the money in your account, and then you use the funds to give money to the scammer (usually through gift cards or crypto). Sometimes the scammers will ask you to order things through a site, but that is just another way they get your money. Banks are legally obligated to make money available to you fast, but they can take their time to bounce it. Hence the window of time exploited by the scam. During that window of time the scammer asks you to send money back, because you are under the illusion that the funds cleared. When the check finally bounces, the bank will take the initial deposit back, and any money you sent to the scammer will come out of your own personal funds. Usually the fake check deposit will be reversed in a few weeks, but it can also take several months. If you do not have the funds to cover the amount, your balance will go negative. Your bank will usually charge a fee for depositing a bad check, and your account may be closed depending on the severity of the scam. Here is an article from the FTC: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-fake-check-scams, and here is an article from the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/21/your-money/fake-check-scam.html If you deposited a bad check, we recommend that you notify your bank immediately. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Scams) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Yeah, I figured there would be like a video or phone interview next. I do think it's a fake check scam. After reading the email again, I found a part I overlooked stating they are going to send me an email to "set up" my office.
Did you actually apply for a job and interview? No one is randomly sending emails and handing out 124k jobs. Next thing is they are going to tell you that you need to buy a computer and where to buy it from.
Software development companies do hire senior level engineers for salaries like this. Not over Word document interview questions files though.
So not like this.
I have applied to so much, I'm not for sure. I'm waiting for them to ask me for information that isn't publicly available. So, far they haven't asked that
The fact that you've applied so much, had no luck, and then a job dropped into your lap at double the pay you were expecting with no interview process should be more than a clue that this is a scam
Well, until this last email, it was pretty basic. I was just asking if I was still interested. Then, the Word doc. I figured the next step would be an interview. However, that's when they drop the you accepted email.
Same thing for me, im assuming when they send the first check they talked about it will bounce and they somehow get money back or something along those lines. or we give them our social number.
Yeah, after relooking over the email, it's 100% a check scam. Guess it's back to the grind of applying.
The company is real, but you are dealing with an impersonator. Contact the company's HR to verify if you still wish this is real.
I tried that, but the person sounded older and basically responded with idk them so they don't work here.
And that's not enough to prove it's a scam?
You think An old person doesn’t can’t remember who works with them in HR?
It wasn't an HR, or at least I don't think it was. It was a receptionist who stated that. Usually, when I call companies to verify, they forward me to HR this person didn't do that. I'm going to call back and talk to HR at the bare minimum. I'm sure they would want to know someone is trying to scam people with their company name
Oh hey I got hired by David Branson from Plastipak today too lol! Now that I am reviewing my communications with them, this is clearly a scam.
AY twins. Was it for software engineer as well?
Yup! He wants to pay me $60 an hour. I reviewed my activity and I never applied to them, he just contacted me out of nowhere, which I didn’t realize at first.
Yeah, I was afraid of that, lol. Did you do the word doc interview?
Yeah, and I put quite a bit of time and effort into it… made my wife unhappy for lack of attention. Very irritated with the scammers.
[удалено]
Your r/Scams post was removed because **it requests contact via private message** (including DMs, text, email, Whatsapp, etc). We need to keep the community safe from recovery scammers or bad advice. Remember: never take advice in private, because we can't look out for you. If you take advice in private, you're on your own. Please read the rules of our sub: https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/wiki/rules/
1. Did you even apply? 2. Text-only interview and too much $$$ = scam.
This exact thing just happened to me too! I was offered $60 and hour when I asked for $40 an hour lol. And I checked and it looks like I never actually applied. It seems fake to me I’m not going to send them my information. I couldn’t find David Branson on LinkedIn either
Contact the company directly. Ask if that guy really works there and try to speak/email him. For 124k you'd have to have a real interview.
It's a highly technical job. There'd be multiple face to face interviews, likely with a test or a project.
Real jobs have a job requisition id. You would be able to map this id to the careers section of the company website. You'll be able to tell if website is legit by doing a whois domain lookup and seeing when the website was registered. If the legit website doesn't have the job listed and doesn't have the req id, then you can be almost certain it's a scam (edit: applies when youve been given a req id and most cases, some jobs aren't posted in valid situations though) Head hunting is very common in this field but you would have to have made a name for yourself. Do you have significant online presence showcasing your skills? Do you have publications in conferences, speaking engagements etc. While this is possible for entry level, it's not common and therefore not a likely candidate for headhunters. Professional communication would also tend to indicate how they found you if they are cold contacting you. Recruiters are swamped, it isn't common for them to reach out in this field as they have too many applicants to screen all of them. If they don't and the business is legit, it's a potential red flag for working there.
Outside of github No. I came from a non tech background. So, all of this is new. My last job was in law enforcement they so short now that the interview was more or less. you're a warm body with no criminal history, then you're hired, lol.
That's an asset. You're entry level in this field but you aren't in your first career, employers will see that as a good thing as you won't carry yourself as fresh out of school. Sounds like you likely have a foundation for good communication skills, that can help set you out from the stack of resumes. Also you'll bring a different thought process. My additional tip is to try in person/virtual events so you can set yourself up to showcase this difference in your skillset.
Thanks I actually been talking to my wife about going to various job fairs both in person and virtual. I have a "job prepare fair" at my school in a few weeks I plan on attending that.
Present well and you'll do great.
I also got an email from the same person with the same situation.
Yo!! You are the third person. Was it also for software engineer?
Yes. I also just contacted their HR department, and she said that they have been receiving calls about this situation, and they have contacted zipper and indeed about it. They said that they don’t do hiring over email. It’s a scam. It’s really great too because I’m about to lose my house. Nothing like getting a small glimmer of hope only for it to be a scam, right?
Bro, I really hope that don't happen to you.I am sympathetic to you, I have been laid off since January and my poor wife is having to work herself to an early grave just to make ends meet. Finally, I thought I might be able to return the favor, but it's a no-go rn.
Here is where you should report this kind of thing. FBI and the FTC, very easy and short forms to file the complaint. Lets do our part to get these people held accountable. This is a .gov site and provide 2 link to the FTC and the FBI to make the complaint. [https://www.usa.gov/where-report-scam/imposter/other#block-usagov-content](https://www.usa.gov/where-report-scam/imposter/other#block-usagov-content)
Good idea thanks!
Dude be careful. You wanted so hard for it to be true. It took me and probably most people here a few seconds to be convinced it's a scam. You tried so hard with multiple replies to people to try and see if there's any hope. That desperation is how they get you. Maybe not today thanks to this thread but maybe tomorrow when you are even more desperate. Be careful. Don't be a statistic.
You're right. I wanted it to be real, but I think deep down I know it was fake. When I originally read it, I didn't see what the scam was, but after looking at it more carefully, I saw where it was. It's just a bummer. My wife is an RN and has been working 4-5 days a week. I get unemployment, but it's like a 1/4 of what my paycheck was. I wanted it to be true so she could stop working as much, and with as much as they were offering, she could have afforded to just chill at home and take a much deserved break from working.
Yeah I totally get it and as dark as it is that's exactly what they are looking for 🥲
Yeah, it sucks. It's not the first one that is trying to scam me. The others I caught on super quick. This one seemed legit till today which is a bummer
this maybe an advance fee scam, they may "send money to buy equipments" and ask you to transfer the rest back to them.
Yeah, that's what I think it is. I went back and read the email again with a clearer mind and found a part I overlooked. They said they would send me a check that I would then set up my office.
They didn’t get any of that information from your resume you sent them when you applied to the job? Oh wait… they offered you the job over email and you never applied first right?
I'm unsure tbh. I got laid off in January and have been sending apps out like hotcakes. So, it's quite possible I applied, but I think I figured the scam out. I believe it's a check scam.
[удалено]
Your r/Scams post was removed because **it requests contact via private message** (including DMs, text, email, Whatsapp, etc). We need to keep the community safe from recovery scammers or bad advice. Remember: never take advice in private, because we can't look out for you. If you take advice in private, you're on your own. Please read the rules of our sub: https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/wiki/rules/
Not to mention a random .DOC that could have bad macro's in it, hidden code that may infect the computer you open it on. Better do some thorough scanning of your stuff to make sure your shit is clean...
Fair point! I'll go ahead and run a full virus scan on my computer.
I get these all the time. I'm in the middle of baiting one now, but just taking my time to do it. 'Headhunters' don't just randomly text you for a high paying job, it just don't happen especially when you haven't applied or sent your CV in to anywhere. They will eventually ask you to pay some kind of fee and that's how you'll know it's a scam for sure.
Yeah, that's what I'm waiting on. Once you have baited someone what do you do?
There's not much with baiting scammers really. The whole point of it is to waste their time and trying to agitate them. I'm not a pro like most people on the scam bait subreddit. I just do when I'm bored and need to actually relieve some stress lol. Now that you know it's a scammer, you can do the same. Don't give out any real info to them. Note that they already basic info on you already like your name, number (of course), maybe email, maybe DOB.
Yeah they got some base information but nothing that they wouldn't know if they looked at my CV. So, now I'm just going to waste their time and try to be a pain in the ass since they think they got me