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Employment - Equipment Purchasing Scam

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Employment - Equipment Purchasing Scam Reports & Reviews (134)

- Round Rock, TX, USA • May 22, 2025

I applied for a transcriptionist position on Indeed, and they texted me to say they would like to continue the application process. So I did. I don't remember, but I think I gave them my Social Security number to complete a background check, and everything looked legit. Until the last email that is trying to get me to "cash" a check with my bank for $3000 to buy supplies. I did not do this and found a number online for Hilton Realty at Harpers Crossing and called them. The person who answered the phone explained that the company is a fraud and that they have tried several times to get them blocked and taken down from Linked in and Indeed. I am one of several who have called.

- Flagstaff, AZ, USA • May 21, 2025

I wanted to share a recent scam attempt I experienced in case it helps others avoid a similar situation.

The first contact was via SMS, claiming to offer a position I had recently applied for on job platforms.

After responding, I was introduced—via the Webex app—to someone claiming to be Francesca Castaldo, the HR Manager at a company called PerfectData Software. All communication was done through chat—there were no calls or video meetings, which already felt a bit odd.

They provided a detailed overview of the company, the job responsibilities, salary, and mentioned a one-week paid training period. They asked very general background questions and then quickly said I had been “selected” and would soon meet the team.

That’s when things started to feel suspicious.

They claimed the company would provide a laptop and software for remote work and said they’d send a company-issued check for me to deposit. After that, I was supposed to follow instructions to purchase and set up the equipment.

This was a major red flag—especially since I hadn’t received any official offer letter, email, or contract. I stopped communication immediately, and they never followed up.

I believe the scam involves sending a fake check, then asking you to send back part of the money for “supplies” or “setup.” Classic scam tactic.

- Chattanooga, TN, USA • Apr 24, 2025

Great sounding job, too good to be true as they say. And I thought I had done good homework. Visited website, the business/services they provide. I, too was assured of a company credit card after two weeks but it did not arrive. I was to have received first paycheck April 21-22; today is 24 and no paycheck. I've called and emailed with no response today. No indication offices are closed. I've a flicker of hope -- if the review I just read from March, if unstable just M A Y B E I'll get some of my monies back. So many people asked what I was purchasing (several Apple products at the same time) and then of course gift cards (mine were Apple and Macy's). I try to be a decent Christian; I try not to be greedy; I trust all until they show me otherwise. However, there is a scripture that reads "for the love of money is the root of all evil", maybe I wasn't listening to God close enough.

- Shermans Dale, PA, USA • Apr 17, 2025

Job offer that included the company sending me checks to use to purchase job equipment. Company then refunded the checks after money was sent to their “vendor”

- Walden, NY, USA • Apr 09, 2025

Hello,

I hope this email finds you well. I came across your resume, which was suggested to me for the position of Customer Service Representatives I'm reaching out to you with an urgent recruitment opportunity to replace my current Personal Assistant and CSR personnel.

Job Overview:

I am seeking a friendly, simple, and trustworthy assistant who can handle customer service tasks and provide administrative support. This is a remote position, offering flexibility as a full-time or part-time job. The working hours will be between 5 to 8 hours daily, with the possibility of increasing hours if desired.

Job Responsibilities:

- Compile, sort, and verify customer issues and data

- Assist the HR Manager

- Maintain logs of activities and completed work

- Perform typing and data entry tasks

- Receive calls, texts, and emails on my behalf

- Book appointments and flight reservations

Requirements:

- Ability to maintain confidentiality

- High level of integrity and honesty

- Organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks

- Self-motivated and proactive approach

- Flexibility and adaptability

About Me:

My name is April Van, and I'm an Artist and HR Consultant for Gabbi. I travel frequently for consultations and art-related business. I have a large client base, including companies, individuals, and institutions.

Due to my busy schedule, I require a reliable Personal Assistant and CSR personnel to handle client issues and provide administrative support. I am willing to offer a competitive hourly rate of $30, plus a reasonable sign-on bonus.

To proceed, I would like you to answer the following questionnaire:

- Have you worked as a CSR or Personal Assistant before?

- Can you take this as a primary job?

- If secondary, how many hours does your primary job require?

- Do you have a professional reference?

- How many hours are you willing to devote to this role?

- What do you understand about privacy and code of conduct?

- Describe yourself.

- Are you willing to give your best effort in working with me?

I look forward to your prompt response.

Best regards,

April Van

Thank you for your response. After reviewing your answers to the questionnaire, I am pleased to inform you that your application has been successful, and you have been accepted as my Personal Assistant/CSR personnel.

Due to my current commitments in Toronto, Canada, I regret that we cannot meet in person before you start. However, I have work ready for you to begin immediately. We will schedule a meeting upon my return to discuss further briefings and tax documents.

To facilitate your work, I will provide funds for the necessary equipment, including internet facilities. You will also be required to obtain a mobile number for this job. A sign-on bonus, including supplies, will be included in the equipment funds.

Below is the list of equipment that will be shipped to you:

* HP business machine Notebook (Intel(R) Pentium(R) Dual CPU T2330 @1.60GHz 1.60GHz)

* Printer, Scanner & Fax machine (ALL IN ONE)

* Microsoft Office and Microsoft Operating Systems (Service Pack 2)

* Kaspersky Internet Security application installed on the Laptop

* A separate cell phone for work-related communication

* A time tracker to calculate time spent during work periods

* HP Laptop/Notebook hard-case (Logo Imprinted) for mobility

* Additional software for accuracy, speed of data processing, time monitoring, and effectiveness

Please note that you will not be required to spend personal funds on these purchases. I will provide the necessary funds to cover the equipment and shipping costs.

To proceed, please provide the following information:

1. How many hours are you willing to work per day?

2. What time range do you prefer?

3. What is your phone network carrier?

4. What is your preferred payroll interval (weekly or bi-weekly)?

5. What is your preferred payroll method (check or direct transfer)?

6. What bank do you operate with (please provide the bank name only)?

Additionally, please re-confirm your contact details:

Name: _________________________________

Address/Apt No.: _________________________________

City: _________________________________

State: _________________________________

Zip Code: _________________________________

Phone # (home): _________________________________

Cell # : _________________________________

Email: _________________________________

I look forward to receiving your prompt response and starting our working relationship.

Best regards,

April Van

- Elizabeth City, NC, USA • Apr 02, 2025

Applied for a job, put In personal information for paycheck deposit, was told I was hired, waited and waited for equipment to do the job, never received it, called and emailed several times..just got voicemail and this morning all message and texts from and to the company was deleted by them and now you can't get anything on the phone and contact information has been deleted

- Cliffside Park, NJ, USA • Mar 13, 2025

I was prompted to apply for a job via LinkedIn and then an assessment and finally a called for interview screening. March 5 I was offered a job via email and told to join slack team via link, I was then send a check via slack to deposit in order to purchase computer and desk. The check was deposited and my account is under investigation and blocked. I send them my banking information and my passport card as proof for I9 and direct deposit. I have now blocked my accounts and I submitting a ScamPulse.com scam and using this for future reference.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA • Feb 21, 2025

I had applied for a job via LinkedIn. I was notified that I had been selected to interview further for the position. we then switched communication over to email and Microsoft Teams. I had an interview via teams and answered specific questions to the Jr. Architect position with questions seeming very legitimate and in line with what I would expect for my profession. I even did technical assessments, had 2 mini design charettes. seeming very legitimate and making me feel that this was a legitimate job offer. I received a letter for hire to sign. we then went about getting me the office equiptment and software needed. I received 2 checks from the company to cover the costs. I deposited the checks and waited for them to clear before then working with them to purchase the computer and software. after I sent money to pay for the invoices. a few days later my bank reversed the checks.

- Hamel, MN, USA • Jan 13, 2025

I was contacted regarding a job I applied for and was offered the opportunity to answer many very in-depth interview questions virtually. Once this was completed, I was contacted about a week later via email and presented with a job offer. I then received an "official offer letter". After accepting the offer, I was then sent "onboarding" instructions which requested a completed i9 and direct deposit information and advised that I would receive equipment provided by the company. I completed all the requested information, including my ssn and drivers license. Once they received this information, all lines of communication went cold and I have not heard anything else from them. The phone number they provided is no longer in service and no equipment ever arrived.

- New York, NY, USA • Dec 12, 2024

I was reached out via email for an "Executive Producer" role for a New York City based company called "Medivis". It claimed to have found me on LinkedIn and said I was the perfect fit for the role. I responded and set up an interview which initially was done on Microsoft Teams. After that was done the following day I had a follow up interview with someone else on the phone. The next day the same person called me and offered me the position.

I began the onboarding process which included filling out several typical forms, such as an offer sheet, a tax form, emergency contact form, their code of conduct handbook and direct deposit form. Then I was told I would go through an "orientation" which would include me getting into their system, having the equipment sent to my residence to set up remote office. I was told to purchase an iPad and iPhone which I did through Verizon and the reimbursement would be sent through my direct deposit.

I was told that the direct deposit was down and that it should be back up the following week (This was a Friday) and that in the interim they can send me a check to cover the initial purchase.

By Monday I had already received the devices of which I didn't have issue with because if there were any shenanigans i could always return the devices to a Verizon store and get credited back the charges. Well that AM the person I was speaking with on Teams was pressing me to ship the devices for his engineers to sync it with the other hardware I am going to receive. That was the red flag that stopped me in my tracks.

At the same time I was sent an invoice for how much the home office equipment would cost, which was upwards of 14K. And that instead of them buying it and sending to my place, they wanted to send me checks (direct deposit system down) to purchase the equipment via a third party where their "IT contractors" will set up my work station and then send me the equipment ready to use.

That's where I ended the communication. I then realized that they had my bank count as well as my SS# home address and phone number.

- Chicago, IL, USA • Dec 12, 2024

I received an email from this company stating that they were interested in hiring me for a work home position after emails from Melissa Albert. I was told that I will be emailing the manager Kristen Munn. I was asked to set up a Telegram app to communicate with Kristen after further communication with Kristen, she started to ask me for my personal information to take a picture with my ID and send it back to her. I filled out W-4 form And my bank information because I thought I would be on payroll receiving information I was being asked to give permission to add money to my bank to pay for my equipment to work from home amount would be $5500 after I noticed that that was a big red flag I stop communicating with Kristen Munn on Telegram and email. I can provide all information to investigate this company of fraud.

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- Jamaica, NY, USA • Nov 27, 2024

Applied for job as a EMR customer service representative and was emailed and texted back even emailed me w4 and direct deposit and other onboarding documents, told me I was hired. They got all my personal information by me filling out the forms. The email addresses, website all looked legit. Next thing I keep asking when is training and nothing. They even asked for my cell phone account said they'd pay for company phones for employees but needed access to enter there card info to purchase the phones and pay bill. I questioned why they wouldn't have there own account set up if they were purchasing iPhones for employees. Several red flags but I did have one company I was hesitant if it was a legit work from home and it was so I truly felt they might be legit too but wanting access to my accounts was weird,even asked about my bank and who I was with. Just weird, I should've known by pay being like $10 more an hour than most jobs all around.

- Crestview, FL, USA • Nov 06, 2024

I was approached via email by a Jack McCoy. The email stated I had been selected for the position for an application I submitted (I had applied recently to Indeed at the time for various positions). I was told I did not need an interview and that there was a 2 week probation period where I would be performing the duties of a supply chain specialist. This entailed purchasing a variety of electronics using my personal credit card and that I would have access to the company's bank account to move limited money from their account to my card to pay for items and expense. After two weeks I would get a company credit card.

I have never seen anything like this done before.

*** *** ******* **** **********

- Upper Marlboro, MD, USA • Nov 05, 2024

I applied on simply hired the next day I was sent a text message to contact @david_stimit on telegram messenger from there I did an interview through text and I was told that I would be receiving a check in the mail to cover my equipment expenses.

- Mc Lean, VA, USA • Oct 30, 2024

Below is the email I received...

Hello. My name is Amy Clifford from Blade Tech Tools Inc. Your resume was reviewed via Indeed and has been approved for an interview for the Remote Administrative Assistant position. The pay is $24.00 per hour. You are required to contact the Assistant HR director, Mrs. Marie Alexander on telegram, to schedule an interview session. Please add her via her link (https://t.me/BladeTechHR001) for the Job briefing. Goodluck!

I am Mrs. Marie Alexander, Senior Director, Human Resources here at Blade Tech Tools Inc. Please introduce yourself by indicating your location.

The job position currently offered is strictly an online and work-from-home job. The working hours are flexible and you can choose to work from anywhere of your choice. The pay is $24.00 per hour and will be paid weekly via direct deposit or paycheck and the maximum amount you can work a week is 45 hours. If you are hired you will be working as a full employee

I believe working from home will not be a problem for you.

So, if you are hired, what means of payment do you prefer? Direct deposit, Check, Wire Transfer?

• What bank do you operate with to see if it tallies with the company's official salary payment account?

Also wanted personal information. I sent but soon deleted after a bit of research.

OK. PLEASE NOTE that All Equipment and software are to be purchased from the company's accredited vendor. We have been buying from this Vendor for years now...That's because all materials would be customized in your name and the Company Logo and shipped to you via FedEx or USPS.

As soon as the check is issued to you I will notify you and provide you with the tracking number so you can keep track of it and be on the lookout for it. Report online as soon as you have it so I can give you further instructions and I will refer you to the vendor you will be purchasing the materials from.

The person I was chatting with is supposedly Marie Alexander.

Entire interaction was just too good to be true.

- Marietta, PA, USA • Oct 28, 2024

I was offered a position as remote proofreader and was sent "employment papers" to fill out (W2, direct deposit, emergency contact, etc.). They thereby obtained my banking information and my social security number. I was further instructed, via Microsoft Teams chat, to purchase a computer and software from ONLY their designated vendor, and they would forward me a check to cover said purchases. When I questioned the efficiency of this process, I got no answer. This made me suspicious. Upon further digging, I found that this company (Brillio) has already been reported to you as a scam. The "check" they send ultimately bounces. I paid out no money, and I have changed my checking acount number and made sure that my cedit report is locked against any unauthorized credit inquiries (it is). I have reported them to the police and to WGAL news. I am now going to contact the Attorney General's Office. They will find that they messed with the WRONG person!

- Hanover, PA, USA • Sep 27, 2024

This company first contacted me by text message. They stated i would have an interview via microsoft teams by text. During this process they wanted a profile picture, and had basic questions looking for information. Once they said i had the job, they stated the company would be sending me a check in the mail to deposit for "work materials"

I have not responded since then. I am reporting this again because i have more information now.

- El Cajon, CA, USA • Sep 17, 2024

I updated my profile on Career Builder and got some hits on over 33 jobs so I did a easy apply to all. Shortly after I was texted from +1(914)352-7639 by someone claiming to be "Gary Devine" for a job opportunity for a Remote Data Entry Position for Angelini Pharma and that my resume was reviewed and I was directed to contact their HR Manger Alex Prock on a texting App called Telegram using his user name @AlexProck. I followed the directions and added him and told him I was approached regarding a job. He then proceeded to "interview me" after some time but that same day, he informed me that I did well and was hired and welcomed me to the team. He then told me I would get an email from his colleague with all of the onboarding paperwork and to finish it as soon as possible. The following day I received the email and I filled out all paperwork and it was confirmed that it was received and "entered" into their system. Alex Prock had also asked me for information like Name, address, cell phone number because he said they were going to pay for all materials need to set up a small home office space to do the job and that they will be sending me a check to do so. He then told me to wait for the check to arrive ( tracking information for this package is as follows USPS.com tracking number: *************) and that once it did they would put me in contact with their 107 affiliates and that they will help me purchase the products through their vendor. And that I can only start once all the materials were ordered and arrived at my house. I checked in daily with "Alex Prock" and watched the package, but it wasn't moving very fast at all then process started on Sept 05, 2024 with Alex Prock still Sept 13, 2024 where I checked in like I normally do only to find things looked differently. Suddenly it said he was no longer a part of the conversation in the Telegram App, then I also noticed his image of the companies logo was gone, so I checked his profile and all the information that had been put up to make him look like an HR Manager for Angelini Pharma was suddenly gone and is was bare expect for under bio having said; now hiring!!! and his user name went from @AlexProck to @hrhiringm. Any information with the company he has pretended to work for is now gone and is bare for the next Scam. They collected on boarding paperwork from including my Full Name, Address, Social, Email. I filled out a w2 and all the other paper work to onboard, including tax information. The package still says its in transit and I'm betting IF anything does come to my house that it will be a fake check that they might have tried to use to mess up my bank account and drain it. Luckily for me I don't have a physical bank account so their scam couldn't work with my banking information, however they did steal a lot of information about me enough to impersonate me online and sign up for things in my name and that's what I'm afraid of since I didn't really have much to steal. If needed I can provide the complete transcript for our entire conversation on the Telegram App as well as pictures of the email that was sent including all "onboarding paperwork" they had access to from Angelini Pharma.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA • Jul 09, 2024

A check was emailed with instructions to deposit into my account to set-up home office. I was to send a picture of the deposit. The check was drawn on mechanics bank in California. The issuing name on the check was America's Labor Supply Co in CA. I called the bank to verify funds and ascertain if the check was legit and if not to notify the account holder. I also contacted America's Labor Supply and they had heard from the bank and there was no association to a personnel hiring company. I have a copy if the check in my email. The names of those who contacted me: Rebekka McGrath, James Roberts. I'm in touch with Roberts via MS Teams ( teams.live.com/l/invite/FEAw5G-Do_AD5FoxGwg ( code IMPH882)

- Marblehead, MA, USA • Jul 09, 2024

I applied for the job on LinkedIn. I was messaged back to email my resume to this email [email protected] I was then contacted by the person from LinkedIn Taylor Hubbard for a Remote Executive Assistant Position.

We are excited to have you join our team.

All the required training will be provided to you before the starting date by our training partner. On the starting date for this position, a proficiency assessment task will be given to you to assess your performance. After this, a meeting will be scheduled with you to give you feedback on your performance and to sign all the necessary paperwork.

This position requires the following equipment/tools:

1. Dedicated Computer

2. Security Printer

3. A licensed AA application software for performing all the assigned tasks, monitoring, and reporting.

The training and all the above-listed equipment are prerequisites for this position.

A check for $4950 will be mailed to your address. This check is to be used for :

1. The purchase of the required equipment.

2. Salary: $800 Weekly

3. Your training allowance of $250

The order instruction will be forwarded to you when the check is deposited and cleared.

Please send your full name as it should be on the check, a valid mobile number, and the address of where the check should be mailed to. You will be contacted via the mobile number provided. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out at any time.

Sincerely,

I received the check in the mail. Everything seemed legit. But when I called the issuing bank to make sure the check was real, the bank teller advised it is not real.

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