Put up a general CL ad seeking employment. Got a text from +1 732-258-2206. Texts read as follows (for organization's sake, the 'scammer' will be represented by the letter "S" while my responses will be represented by the letter "M"):
S: Hello, are you still available for a job?
M: Yes, I am. May I ask who I'm speaking to?
S: My name is Mike, Are you still looking for job i have an opening position for you, which you will be working from home as a payroll worker only and earn $850 bi monthly.
M: Yes, I am still looking, and am interested. What would my duties be?
S: You will be working with our company, HARVARD MEGGAR AND ACQUISITION FOR BUSINESS BROKERAGE CONSULTING. Do you have Personal Computer,Printer?
M: I own a personal computer, but I do not own a printer
S: if you are interested, you can get back to me with your information so we can send you payment to get the materials needed.:
Full name: address: city: state: zipcode: phone number: email
M: [I am redacting this message, for my personal privacy's sake]
S: ok i got the information, i will let you know once the payment has been mailed out, am sure you have office max,office depot or staples around you? you will need to also get some materials
M: Yes, there is an office max and staples near me. do you have a list of materials and items I will need?
S: (Summarized for clarity): Working PC and stable Internet access, Printer, Versacheck Business Paper Form #1000 Blue Prestige, magnetic ink, Sticky Glue, Brown Business-size envelopes, and White Plain papers.
[Conversation ends on mild pleasantries]
Well, when I went online to check out these items and how much they would be costing (hoping to gain brownie points by offer as low a cost budget as possible), the more I realized this looked like the tools for check fraud of some kind.
On the plus side, I know to turn in the check or money order I'll receive to the proper authorities.
On the negative side, an known collective of scammers now has my first and last name, and other details.
I did receive a text from this 571-305-1217 number at 8am this morning - SUNDAY! Their teaser message is: "Hello. Are you still looking for a job?" Because it is a Sunday morning, I knew the chance of it being a good legitimate offer was very, very small. I texted back, "please stop texting now. I prefer emails and phone calls. Stop Texts. If you have my resume, you will find my email is included. Thank you.". That very effectively stopped the texting.
Hey did u ever get back with him because I'm doing the work now. He said or the company is going to pay me on the jan 22 2014. I been working for them 1/9/2014 so I'm just waiting to see. He always contact me every morning and I look up the company and the banks they make the check for on google map. And they are all real places and banks or company's I just don't know but I we see in 3 days. Thanks so much.
i recieved on 10/9/14 from number 1-937-634-3671
same exact i said how do I know this is not a scam
response
"this is a legal job okay and here is the company website name okay HARVARD MERGER AND ACQUISITION FOR BUSINESS BROKERAGE CONSULTIN at www.harvard.ch
There is an ad on Craigslist about needing people for advertisement on there vehicles, 500 bucks a week. The number is 208 437 8461 and i just sent my info. [***]. The message;
Thanks for your prompt response It is very easy and simple , no application fees required, we would be paying you by check and would want you to get back to us with your Name: Street Address: City: State: Zip code: to send you the check and also send your Age: Current Occupation: Make of car/ year:. We will contact you immediately we receive this information
And then i asked what the company name is....
HARVARD MEGGAR AND ACQUISITION FOR BUSINESS BROKERAGE CONSULTING
http://www.harvard.ch/listing/13/191