😡 Scam! 😡
This morning I got up, hopeful and happy to explore this new employment opportunity. I did my Wii fit, took a shower poured my coffee and sent the image that showed the check from my new employer (IMDS) had cleared. It was 40 minutes before my report time, but I was feeling pretty good.
In moments Mrs. Anita Cortez got back to me, asking if the funds were accessible. She was ready to hook me up with the company vendor and get me started. She had me contact him, introduce myself and keep her informed.
Let me tell you, it is distracting to carry on two texting conversations at the same time. I did not do it flawlessly, but I managed to keep Anita in the loop over each step of placing the order with Mr. Larry Ford.
He was going to send me the company package including the computer, loaded with programs, work station etc and office supplies. Then he wanted to know how I wanted to pay. He said I should get cash. CASH? WHAT? NO!
He said I could go to a store and get google play cards instead. I actually drove to the store. The cashier at the Jewel asked me why I needed $700 in play cards and I told her. “I was hired as a new admin for this international company….” She told me it was a scam and to call the cops.
I stood there with my mouth hanging open for a second. Then she said she wouldn’t sell them to me… Oh yeah, I knew I had been fooled. I drove home and called the police. I filed a report. They aren’t going to try to catch them, but they advised me to let others know.
I called the bank to let them know that the check I had so painstakingly electronically deposited for the first time ever, was probably a dud. I hope it’s a dud and not a money laundering sceme, that thought makes me kind of sick. What if I actually have their money?
I may not have given them my bank account, but they have my address. My phones, and my email. They have been calling, texting, and I refuse to answer. We’ll see what happens next.
So far I reported them to the local police, the FBI and the Federal Trade Commision Consumer.FTC.gov . On Monday I am calling the Better Business Bureau BBB.org, and consumer.gov You might conclude that I do not like thieves, and you would be correct. I especially do not like them when they mess with people’s hopes and dreams. I was looking for a job!
I am still looking for a job, and I will find one. Hopefully one that does not ask me to pay for something using a google play card.
As for the bright side… I finished cleaning out my office yesterday. I have made substantial progress in the cyber world meeting challenges I did not know I could do. I will try for another admin asst position with better confidence. As much as I hate feeling tricked and foolish, I am glad it did not go any farther.
The news and other agencies are filled with stories of people who were tricked, cheated, robbed, and left holding the bag. Yesterday my mother, an educated but elderly woman received a warning that a company would cancel her social security number. Fortunately my mother is not confused and knows that such a thing is not possible, but how awful would it be for someone who is mildly confused to get such a warning. To think all their hard earned benefits, everything they rely on was about to disappear.
These people are awful and anyone can be fooled, so if you spot a scam, let others know. Speak loud and point it out. These creeps can not hide in the dark if we keep shining a light on their crimes.