Breaking Down the Employment Scam: A Reddit User’s Experience

Employment scams are getting trickier and more elaborate. They prey on job seekers’ trust, using sophisticated techniques to mimic legitimate companies and create a seamless hiring process—right up until they scam you out of your hard-earned money. In this particular case, a Reddit user shared their experience with a job scam that started after posting their phone number on Indeed. What followed was a textbook example of how scammers operate, pulling the victim deeper into a fake job offer that seemed legitimate.

Here’s how it played out:

Step 1: The Initial Contact

The scam started when the victim was contacted via text after posting their resume and phone number on Indeed. Scammers often target people this way, scouring job sites for vulnerable candidates and initiating communication through email, text, or messaging apps. They posed as employees from a well-known company, which instantly built a sense of trust and credibility.

Step 2: The Fake Interview Process

In this case, the scammers set up a Microsoft Teams interview. They went through what felt like a real hiring process, complete with interviews and even a full week of training. This is where scammers go the extra mile. By mimicking the legitimate hiring process, they make the entire operation feel genuine. The victim felt confident they had landed a real job with a reputable company—after all, why would a scammer waste time giving you a week of training, right?

This step is crucial to breaking down your defenses. The more time you invest in the “job,” the more real it seems, and the less likely you are to question things later on.

Step 3: The Equipment Purchase

Once the victim was “hired,” they were told that they needed equipment—a common request in remote work roles. The scammers sent a check for about $3,800, supposedly to cover the cost of an iPhone and MacBook. However, before the check could clear, they asked the victim to go ahead and buy the items with their own money and ship them overnight via UPS so they could install software.

Here’s where the scam really kicks in. The check was counterfeit, but it hadn’t bounced yet, so the victim felt secure in buying the equipment. By the time the bank realized the check was fake, the victim had already sent the items, and the scammers had disappeared with the goods.

Step 4: The Pressure Tactics

A sense of urgency is a key tactic used by scammers. In this case, they urged the victim to send the equipment quickly to start the second phase of training as soon as possible. This rush creates pressure, leaving you less time to think critically or verify the situation. The scammers repeatedly reassured the victim, using phrases like “I assure you,” which is a classic manipulation tactic. It’s designed to make you believe that everything is under control, even though it isn’t.

Step 5: The Second Check

When the victim realized the check was fake and tried to cancel the UPS delivery, it was too late—the package had already been delivered. To keep the scam going, the scammers sent another check, this time for around $9,800, claiming it would cover the costs plus a 20% bonus for the trouble. Of course, this check was also counterfeit, but scammers often play on emotions by offering additional “reimbursement” or incentives to keep the victim from pulling out.

Step 6: Recovery Scam Follow-Up

After the initial scam, you might be targeted by recovery scammers who claim they can help you recover your lost funds—for a fee. This is just another scam designed to exploit victims further.

Key Insights for Avoiding Employment Scams

This Reddit user’s experience highlights several red flags you should be aware of when job hunting:

1. Unexpected Contact via Text or Messaging Apps: Legitimate companies will typically email you from a company domain or contact you through official channels. If you’re asked to communicate through apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or text, it’s a red flag.

2. Don’t Spend Your Own Money: No legitimate employer will ask you to front money for equipment, training, or fees before you’ve even started the job.

3. Overnight Urgency: Scammers love creating a sense of urgency, telling you that something needs to be done immediately or you’ll lose the opportunity. No legitimate company will push you to act this fast, especially when money is involved.

4. Legitimate Companies Send You Equipment: No real company will send you a check to purchase equipment and ask you to ship it back. They will either ship the equipment to you directly or reimburse you after you’re fully onboarded.

5. Plausible Documents and Fake Credentials: Scammers can create convincing job offers and employment documents. They may even clone the websites of well-known companies or pose as real employees. Always double-check the legitimacy of the offer by contacting the company directly through their official channels.

6. Check Email Domains and Headers: Scammers often use email addresses that look similar to legitimate ones. Always check the email domain and headers to ensure it’s from the official company website. For example, [email protected] versus [email protected] can be an easy distinction to miss.

7. Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Take your time, do your research, and don’t let anyone pressure you into making quick decisions.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

1. Contact Your Bank: If you deposited a counterfeit check, notify your bank immediately. They can help you avoid overdraft fees and may assist with reversing fraudulent charges.

2. File a Report: Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and local law enforcement. If the scam involved sending goods through the mail, also report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

3. Freeze Your Credit: If you shared personal or financial information with the scammer, freeze your credit with all three credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to prevent identity theft.

4. Be Wary of Recovery Scams: If someone contacts you claiming they can recover your lost funds, they’re likely another scammer. Never pay for recovery services or provide personal information to someone offering help.

Final Thoughts

Employment scams are evolving, using sophisticated techniques that make them hard to spot. The best defense is to stay informed and cautious. If you’re ever asked to send money, equipment, or personal details before starting a job, take a step back and double-check everything. Verify with your bank, research the company, and ask yourself: “Does this seem too good to be true?”

In the end, trusting your instincts and doing a little extra legwork can save you from falling into the trap of a well-crafted scam.