When I inquired about a job posting I saw on craigslist, I received an e-mail telling me to go onto Yahoo! messenger for an online interview. The interview as well as the company seemed promising until I started receiving the same useless answers to my questions, and no information whatsoever about where my money would be going or who I would be working for. Conversation as follows:
[email protected] (5/2/2011
12:03:04 PM): Hello
[email protected] (5/2/2011
12:03:28 PM): I was told to speak with you about a job at Medline
Plus
[email protected] (5/2/2011
12:06:08 PM): Hello???
[email protected] (5/2/2011
12:07:31 PM): Please e-mail me with a time to meet online and talk
about the job. I need to tend to my daughter
[email protected] (5/2/2011
1:37:11 PM): Hello again. I'm very interested in this job. I'm
available the rest of the day. Please let me know when it is a good
time to speak with you about the job
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 1:38:09
PM): Okay
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 1:38:21
PM): I need you to be available in 3 hours time okay
[email protected] (5/2/2011
1:38:26 PM): Absolutely
[email protected] (5/2/2011
4:52:28 PM): I am available whenever you're ready to discuss the
position
[email protected] (5/2/2011
5:42:52 PM): Hello, would you like to discuss the job now?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 5:43:46
PM): Okay
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 5:43:46
PM): Are you ready and set for your job briefing and online interview
?
[email protected] (5/2/2011
5:43:53 PM): Yes
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 5:44:25
PM): I am Mrs Tammy Murray I am located at Baltimore MD . I would be
the one to brief you about the position and the company. The company
is located at 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland 20892. And we
also have location over the state's.
[email protected] (5/2/2011
5:46:05 PM): My name is Rachel Tripp, I've never done an online
interview before, so this is a first for me. I'm extremely
comfortable with computers, however. I'm located in Montpelier, VT.
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 5:46:56
PM): We have locations all over the usa and currently working on
setting up some branch in Montpelier, VT.
[email protected] (5/2/2011
5:49:20 PM): Is the position something that is done on-site, or at
home?
[email protected] (5/2/2011
5:56:21 PM): Are you having internet trouble? Would it be easier to
conduct the interview over the phone?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 5:56:31
PM): Okay i am so sorry for that i had a reboot
[email protected] (5/2/2011
5:56:36 PM): No worries!
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 5:57:12
PM): Can we proceed ?
[email protected] (5/2/2011
5:57:18 PM): Absolutely
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 5:58:32
PM): Next would be the breifing about the company and the position. I
advise you read with care.
[email protected] (5/2/2011
5:59:24 PM): Okay
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 6:02:03
PM): MedlinePlus is the National Institutes of Health's Web site for
patients and their families and friends. Produced by the National
Library of Medicine, it brings you information about diseases,
conditions, and wellness issues in language you can understand.
MedlinePlus offers reliable, up-to-date health information, anytime,
anywhere, for free. You can use MedlinePlus to learn about the latest
treatments, look up information on a drug or supplement, find out the
meanings of words, or view medical videos or illustrations. You can
also get links to the latest medical research on your topic or find
out about clinical trials on a disease or condition.
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 6:02:04
PM): The company is mainly into Building Systems and Health Care
Without Harm. Now going into Data entry/ Medical biller and
accounting work from home job to create employment opportunity for
the less privilege, disables and manily to decrease the rate of
unemployment in the economy. Due to the rate of unemployment.
[email protected] (5/2/2011
6:03:41 PM): Excellent, sounds like a company I would like to be a
part of.
[email protected] (5/2/2011
6:05:42 PM): I am a stay-at-home mom with limited transportation, so
working at home is something I am very interested in.
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 6:08:03
PM): This is strictly an online and work from home job and you can
aswell work in an office . The working hours are flexible and you can
choose to work from anywhere of your choice, the pay is $23 per hour
training is $18 per hour. Paycheck would be weekly via direct deposit
or paycheck working 40 to 45 hours weekly, If you are employed you
are going to be working as a full employee and not an independent
contractor. Benefits : Health, Dental, Life and AD&D Insurance,
Employee Wellness and 401k plans.Paid Time Off and Holidays with
Generous Company Discounts.
[email protected] (5/2/2011
6:11:43 PM): That is great compensation. Would I be able to do the
training from home as well?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 6:12:04
PM): Yes sure
[email protected] (5/2/2011
6:13:27 PM): Excellent. When you say the working hours are flexible,
does it mean I get to choose when during the day I work, or do you
have certain time-lines that need to be met?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 6:15:18
PM): Now i would like you to use 4 minutes of your time in going
through the company's website on www.medlineplus.com read more about
the company and let me know when you are done okay
[email protected] (5/2/2011
6:15:29 PM): Okay
[email protected] (5/2/2011
6:22:30 PM): I just spent some time reviewing the website and playing
with the search functions. I'm actually very impressed, it's a very
user-friendly web site. I actually already found some info that will
be useful to me
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 6:22:43
PM): Okay
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 6:24:07
PM): Can we proceed ?
[email protected] (5/2/2011
6:24:11 PM): Yes
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 6:24:39
PM): Tell me about yourself your full name, age and location ? Are
you seeking for part time or full time job? What is your greatest
strength and weakness?
[email protected] (5/2/2011
6:28:41 PM): Rachel Tripp, I'm 25 and live in Montpelier VT. I am
seeking part OR full time, I'm open to both. I would have to say that
my greatest strength is my common sense and decision making. I can
take situation and figure out the best possible solution without
someone telling me what to do. My weakness is probably that I do not
like to leave things unfinished, and have a hard time moving on when
things are left undecided.
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 6:31:20
PM): What are your career goals? How much training do you think you
need to become a productive employee? How would you describe
yourself?
[email protected] (5/2/2011
6:34:51 PM): My careeer goal is to be able to work for myself one
day. I know that this would not happen until far in the future, but
when my daughter is out on her own (she is only 2 and 1/2 now) I want
to be able start a business of my own, pertaining to either baking or
aquariums (my two biggest passions). I do not think I would need
extensive training. I'm already very familiar with computers and
Microsoft Office applications, and I'm a very fast learner. I would
describe myself as a very laid-back person who is easy to get along
with, who is also very persistant when I know what I want.
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 6:35:34
PM): Do you have an idea of how to use ms excel? what do you
understand by privacy and code of conduct? Do you know your typing
speed?
[email protected] (5/2/2011
6:37:17 PM): Yes, I am familiar with excel. I would need to brush up
a little, and I actually have a text book to help me do that (I took
a college course for Microcomputer Applications, passing with an A).
I understand about privacy and code of conduct, that certain things
are not to be discussed outside of work. I do not know my typing
speed but I would say I am a fairly fast typer.
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 6:39:18
PM): Working hrs are flexible. All activities and corresponding time
are to be recorded in excel spreadsheet. What mean of payment would
you prefer?Direct deposit or paycheck ?
[email protected] (5/2/2011
6:39:59 PM): I actually love to make spreadsheetsMy husband calls me
a "nerd" because I like math so much. I would prefer direct
deposit
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 6:44:31
PM): DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES : Track data and source documents.
Prepare and sorts source documents, and identities interprets data to
be entered. Compiles, sorts and verify data for accuracy. Contacts
responsible parties to resolved moderately. complex questions,
inconsistencies, or missing data.Enters alphabetic, numeric, or
symbolic data from source documents into computer following format
displayed on screen, Also enters necessary codes.Compares data
entered with source documents identifying errors and subsequently
correcting any errors.
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 6:44:32
PM): Files or routes source documents after entry. Responds to
inquires regarding entered data. Maintains daily count of work
processed. May create periodic reports for management. Performs
routine maintenance on machinery used. Preparation of Balance sheets
(Mini), account balancing, invoicing recording, proper data analysis
of sales records and recording pay slips into accounting database all
these will be done through the use of the Software's.
[email protected] (5/2/2011
6:46:53 PM): Is the software provided? I do not have MS Office, but I
do have MS Office compatible software (Open Office)
[email protected] (5/2/2011
6:48:12 PM): "Performs routine maintenance on machinery used."
Does this include virus scans, updates, etc?
[email protected] (5/2/2011
7:17:18 PM): Do you need a copy of my resume? I attached it in my
original e-mail but am glad to give it to you again.
[email protected] (5/2/2011
7:42:05 PM): Is there anything else I can tell you about myself?
[email protected] (5/2/2011
8:05:40 PM): I need to put my daughter to bed soon. Should I assume
that the interview is done? Is there more we should discuss? I'm
anxious to hear from you, this job sounds like a perfect fit for me,
and I for it. I appreciate you taking the time to interview me.
[email protected] (5/2/2011
8:25:27 PM): Is there a start-up cost for this job?
[email protected] (5/2/2011
9:32:37 PM): I am back from putting my daughter to bed. I realize it
is late, but I'm confused as to why I never got any responses from
you. Should I expect an e-mail or a call?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:03:18
PM): Hello
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:03:28 PM): Hello
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:03:47
PM): What are your questions ?
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:04:15 PM): Is the software provided? I do not have MS Office, but
I do have MS Office compatible software (Open Office) "Performs
routine maintenance on machinery used." Does this include virus
scans, updates, etc?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:04:50
PM): You are to purchase them from the company vendor
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:05:13 PM): Is it expensive? I am on an extremely tight budget
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:05:37
PM): Note :you will be reimbursed back on your first paycheck
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:05:59
PM): The software's will cost you $315 you will also be undergoing a
week training with your Supervisor on how to use the Software.note
you will also be paid during training and working Hours and NOTE :
you will be reimbursed for this along with your first pay and the pay
day is every Friday of the week.You are to purchase this software's
from the shipping agent who we have been buying from for years now
and the means of method Accepted by the Vendor is Via Western union
and the package will be shipped to you via FedEx within 24hours
delivery period.
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:06:42 PM): Is it a trusted company? I'm not comfortable paying via
Western Union
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:07:08
PM): I tottaly understand how you feel
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:07:29
PM): This is how all our employees have been making purchase to her
via western union
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:07:39
PM): Mark my words you are safe with us okay
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:08:20 PM): So what is the vendor? How can I learn more about them?
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:08:43 PM): And why did you disappear for a few hours in the middle
of our interview?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:09:02
PM): The network was so bad and it was not stable
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:09:10
PM): I hope you understand
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:10:48 PM): Okay, well I don't have $315 to spend on software. And
to be honest, I feel a bit skeptical anyway. What is the vendor? How
can I learn more about them?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:11:19
PM): I know you are feeling skeptical. But do not let your skepticism
cover your charisma for this job.
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:11:47 PM): What is the vendor? How can I learn more about them??
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:12:37
PM): Shoul i provide you are info where you will making the payment
to ?
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:12:53 PM): Yes
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:14:08
PM): Name : Antoniette Ellis City : Baltimore State : M D Zipcode :
21215
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:14:13
PM): Got it ?
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:14:27 PM): It is a person
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:14:28 PM): ?
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:14:33 PM): I thought it would be a company
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:15:23
PM): you are to get it from the company certified vendor that is the
third party to the company He will have them install in your free
laptop with disc and have it shipped to you overnight via FedEx..
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:16:30 PM): Is there a number I can call to speak with the vendor?
If you can afford to give out free laptops, why do I have to pay for
the software?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:17:34
PM): 1.The company does not have the software programs because we do
not specialize the software's.
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:17:42
PM): 2.This is to show how committed you are to work for the company.
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:17:50
PM): 3.The software vendor is the vendor all our employee has been
buying from for years now.and you will make the order from her to
enable her install the software programs with disc and have it
shipped overnight to you via FedEx.
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:18:00
PM): 4.Due to the rate of unemployment these days,The company is
hiring 16 teams to work for the company with software programs and to
enable them deal with clients in the healthcare sectors, insurance
sector, banks and business organizations e.t.c
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:18:07
PM): 5.Your training supervisor need you to get these programs ready
to enable you work accurate with him or her.
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:18:14
PM): Understood ?
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:18:31 PM): Yes. Who would be my supervisor? Is there a number I
can call to speak with them?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:18:54
PM): Everythig is strictly done online .
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:20:20 PM): How can I be sure this is not a scam?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:20:37
PM): What do you mean scam ?
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:21:14 PM): You are not giving me any information about where I
will be sending my money. I need to know that this is for real.
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:21:46
PM): I gave you the vendor receiver info
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:22:14 PM): Is there a number where I can call this "vendor
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:22:15 PM): ?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:23:51
PM): Once the payment is been verifyed and done you are to get back
to me online and i will forward the receipt to the vendor so she can
start installion in your new laptop and ready for shipment to your
home .
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:24:29 PM): That sounds incredibly sketchy to me. Is there any
other way I can get the software?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:25:03
PM): This is how we have been working for years now
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:25:17
PM): Mark my words you are in good hands with us
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:25:20 PM): Why can't I speak with someone on the phone?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:26:25
PM): This is strictly an online job work from home and all duties are
done online remotely
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:26:53 PM): I understand that. But if you and your company are
prepared to hire me, I would like to speak with someone on the phone
before I send any money to anybody.
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:27:29
PM): This is the company policy
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:28:30 PM): I just don't understand why you are able to pay for
laptops to send out, but not the software.
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:29:05 PM): I have a computer, is there any chance you could pay
for the software instead of the laptop as I don't need it?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:29:38
PM): The company have specfic ones you would be using .
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:30:03 PM): What kind of a lap top is it?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:30:26
PM): HP LAPTOP
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:30:56 PM): I have access to an HP lap top already
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:32:35
PM): The company have specfic ones you would be using and your
softwares, you would be using would be installed in your new laptop
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:33:07 PM): Why is the company willing to pay for the lap top but
not the software?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:33:26
PM): This is how we have been working
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:33:42
PM): Note : you will be reimbursed back on your first pay check
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:33:46 PM): I thought that the data entry positions were something
new to the company?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:33:58
PM): Yes it is
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:34:47
PM): Once your payment is been verifyed , i will introduce you to
your supervisor , HE or SHE will speak to you on phone or online
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:35:10 PM): Can I speak with them before I make the payment?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:35:49
PM): Rachel i tottaly understand you .
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:36:01
PM): You are in safe hands with us okay
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:36:44 PM): I really need some sort of proof. I'm sorry. It's just
that we are on a very tight budget, and to come up with $315 would be
difficult, I would not want to just throw it away.
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:38:21
PM): I am a Grand Mother and mother of kids.I'm 53 years old.
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:38:38
PM): I will never come on here and lie for anyone
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:39:32
PM): If you feel you are not interested you can aswell pass okay
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:40:12 PM): I am interested, and I do need a job. It all sounds too
good to be true. In my experience, when it sounds that way, it
usually is.
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:40:24
PM): Okay
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:40:39
PM): You have nothing to be worried about
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:40:47
PM): You are safe wth us okay
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:41:18 PM): Then why can't you give me any sort of proof of where
my money would be going or someone I can speak with?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:41:43
PM): Your money is going to the vendor
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:42:04
PM): I have already provide you with the vendor western union info
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:42:47 PM): It is just a name. That doesn't mean much to me. I
could be sending $315 dollars to a random person and never hear from
you or the company again. How do I know this will not happen?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:43:22
PM): This will never happen
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:43:49
PM): This is how all employees have been making payment to her and no
one have ever lay any complain
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:44:18 PM): How long have you been going through this person?
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:44:52 PM): How long would I have to come up with the money?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:45:01
PM): 3years now
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:45:52
PM): As soon as possible so you can join others training online okay
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:46:24 PM): It would take at least a couple of weeks. Would I miss
the training?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:46:39
PM): No
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:46:46
PM): I have toattend to others okay
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:46:52
PM): Have a great day
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:47:04
PM): It seems you are not interested
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:47:18 PM): I can't afford to lose that amount of money. I'm sorry
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:47:49
PM): You cant loose your money
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:48:02 PM): How can I be sure?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:48:32
PM): You are 100% guranteed
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:48:42 PM): By who?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:48:55
PM): The company
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:49:17 PM): MedlinePlus?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:49:31
PM): Yes
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:50:14 PM): Don't you need information for how to pay me and things
like that?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:51:18
PM): What mean of payment would you prefer?Direct deposit or paycheck
?
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:51:34 PM): Direct deposit
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:51:53 PM): Why do I need to pay up front if you plan to reimburse
me for the software a week later?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:53:32
PM): This is to show how committed you are to work for the company.
[email protected] (5/2/2011
11:54:58 PM): I would need more information about the vendor before
feeling comforrable sending the money. Why can't I pay with a credit
card?
Medlineplus Tammy (5/2/2011 11:55:37
PM): She accept western union as the means of payment
[email protected] (5/3/2011
12:04:43 AM): is there maybe someone in human resources i could speak
on the phone with?