Currently, I just lost my job and have been on the hunt for a new job. I have a growing family at home, so I figured a "work at home" job would be convenient and alot easier than leaving the house and having to worry about a babysitter and so forth. So, I went on to Craigslist and went to the job section to see what they offered for any "Work At Home" positions.
Of course, I find a few.. A few of the kind where you would still have to come down to turn in paperwork and so on. So, I kept looking a little harder and came across the job for a data entry worker. It looked promising, and it was all based from home, so I got somewhat excited. I went ahead and emailed them and the next day I got an email from a 'Fisher Moore', which I don't really believe is his real name. Here is the email:
We are glad to to send you this mail concerning the available position in our company... A briefing and interview has been scheduled for you online. Setup a yahoo instant messenger ID and instant message (IM) Mr Fisher Moore at this ID (
[email protected]) to commence briefing and interview.This what the company does
Hiring company
Data Tech Computers.Inc
Position Details
Job Title: Data Entry Operator
Primary Skills: Data Entry
Job Industry: Finance
Job Location: Online/Home
Salary: $18/HOURLY - $20/HOURLY
Hours per Week: 30
Start Date: ASAP
Degree Type: HS
Degree Area: NA
We cater to a wide variety of clients from partnerships to mid-sized corporations." Our staff specializes in establishing full and automated accounting departments essential to our clients running emerging businesses. Our focus is on practical administrative and accounting support services.
Working hrs ,You will be given 6hrs to complete each assignment a day .and the hours are flexible.
Part time IIS 4HRS A DAY This is an online job so all your assignments would be forwarded to you and submitted back by email, phone or IM (instant messaging).
All activities and corresponding time are to be recorded in excel spreadsheet. That is how we access your work and process your pay There is no payment required for getting started. All expenses are handled by the company.
You are to take out taxes. The company pay's you and it's on you whether or not you want to claim. Let me know if you are satisfied."
Notice how it says "No payment required for gettnig started, all expenses are handled by the company."
Hmm, not quite.
In my INSTANT MESSENGER interview, which already threw up a red flag for me, he states this:
"You will receive your duties everyday via email and i will be online to assist you with any difficulties .Your duties will be keeping records of payments made out and recieved.You will Earn $19 per hour,You will receive your pay via bank transfer Which You will Use to purchase your mini office Equipments and softwares From the Shipping Agent,You will commence your First Assignment Today."
and then I ask him if there are any upfront fees and he says this:
"BEFORE YOU COMMENCE WORK PROPER,YOU WILL RECIEVE A PAYMENT ,YOU WILL BE USING THIS PAYMENT TO SET UP YOUR MINI OFFICE AT HOME BY PURCHASING SOME ACCOUNTING SOFTWARES PLUS SHIPPING LOGISTIC TO WORK WITH,BECAUSE THE COMPANY WILL BE SENDING YOU SOME EQUIPMENTS YOU TILL BE NEEDING TO WORK WITH,IMMEDIATELY YOU GET THIS PAYMENT YOU FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS IN ORDER FOR YOU TO COMMENCE WORK PROPERLY.
Me: (16/05/2009 12:55:56): Do you mind if I have some information about your company? I.e., a website, maybe?
Fisher Moore (16/05/2009 12:56:23): The Firm Shipping Agent in the United States will provide you with all your neccessory Equipments to get started including the Softwares which you will use and also learn more about your job position ) You deduct $100 for your self for signing Bonus ( This is to help to Motivate staff towards commencement )Telegram the rest to the Shipping agent to effect Shipping Logistics for your Equipments cos we will be sending you some equipments that you will need to start work with."
So, I get money sent to me, that I have to send back so I can get software? Wait a minute, I thought you said I dont have to pay anything upfront?
He also goes to ask me how I want to be paid, and I said wire transfer is fine.. So, he asked me to open up a checking account, give him the number of my account so he can supposedly "put in the funds needed" Umm, yeah no thank you. So, I asked him at least 3 more times what is the name of your company and can I have a website..
Reluctantly he gives it to me, which is http://www.datatech.com. Its a legitimate looking site--yeah, that's not even his. I scope around, and decide to click on the 'careers' section.. heres what it says to me:
Note on "Work at Home" scams: Tech Data is aware of occasional illegal scams generated by unauthorized third parties offering "work at home" opportunities with the intent of fraudulently gathering personal data from applicants at large companies. Tech Data, like many other large companies whose name is wrongly used in these scams does not offer "work at home" employment opportunities and never conducts applicant interviews over the internet or through instant messaging services. Any employment solicitation received via this medium is fraudulent and should be reported to local authorities immediately.
End of conversation...
Mind you, datatech.com is a legitimate company, this fool that is running around on Craigslist putting out fake posts is just trying to scam innocent people in need of a job out of their hard-earned money.
So, please.. If you are in need of a work at home job like I am, PLEASE... I beg of you, PLEASE do your research before signing on to ANYTHING. I don't want you to waste your time like I did mine.
Christina
Mesa, Arizona
U.S.A.