Exactly. No one at a 'top company' would use a free, web based email address. You know, the free one's that anyone in the world can get. It's either (a) phishing for personal/financial information, or (b) It's the 'fake check' scam. You deposit-seems to clear-send money by cash wire transfer service-check bounces. Common. You'll see it a lot on 800 notes.
Telephone # 423 668-0211 is scamming people into thinking they were hired for a job online. the female claims to be Lakesha Stella and says she is an Executive and has hired you. They will be sending you a fraudulent check and tell you it's to purchase laptops and other equipment when you work from home. They are a total scam and trying to obtain personal banking and sensitive information.
IT IS A TOTAL SCAM- REPORT THEM TO YOUR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.
IF YOU HAVE GIVEN PERSONAL INFORMATION OR PASSWORDS CHANGE THEM AND NOTIFY ANY BANKING INSTITUTION OF THE SCAM.
THEY SAY THEY ARE FROM VARIOUS COMPANIES.
Specifically, a company has been contacting local job-seekers via a text message that tells them they have a job opportunity for them, and gives them a telephone number to call. The company wants the job-seeker to text information back; information like (What kind of info were they asking for?)
Once the job-seeker texted back any information, the alleged employer told them they would need to purchase computer software in order to be further considered for the job. The company called the job-seekers, and asked to set up an interview through Yahoo Instant Messenger.
Here are some good things to remember:
◾Job-Seekers should not respond to text messages from employers. They should not reply to emails that ask them to setup Yahoo instant messaging accounts. They should not setup Yahoo messaging accounts to conduct online interviews.
◾Job-Seekers should not agree to accept a check. Do NOT deposit a check if you receive one. Do not follow a potential employers request to go to Walmart and put money on a MoneyPak card or a green dot card.
◾Legitimate employers will not offer jobs sight unseen. They will not conduct employment interviews using Yahoo messenger.
◾Legitimate employers will not ask for money.
◾Legitimate Employers will not offer to send you a check to deposit, have you keep a small amount, and mail back a check for the full amount of the deposit.
All of this is scam activity. This is by no means the only ways people will try to scam you with an offer of employment, but the greater your awareness, the better equipped you will be to avoid becoming a victim.
The following information can be found at workintexas.com, but is reprinted here for your convenience:
TWC Warns Texas Job Seekers about False Employer Scams
AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) today warned Texas job seekers to be aware of unscrupulous people posing as potential employers who may try to obtain personally identifiable information such as date of birth, debit card or bank account numbers, Personal Identification Numbers (PIN), or Social Security numbers.
Reported incidents include job seekers receiving unsolicited online and/or telephone communications from individuals posing as potential employers from job matching websites such as TWC’s WorkInTexas.com. These false employers may request to interview job seekers over the phone or internet and then, following the interview, offer them a position on condition that they cash a company check and/or send a money order to purchase equipment or training needed to begin work with the company.
Texas residents are reminded that legitimate employers will never ask for money as a condition for starting work. Job seekers also should never provide personally identifiable information to an employer prior to a face-to-face meeting.
TWC encourages individuals to check their bank or other online accounts for unusual activity if they suspect they are victims of a similar scam. To report suspicious activity, please call TWC’s Fraud and Program Abuse Hotline at 800-252-3642.
To avoid becoming a victim of scams, visit the Texas Office of the Attorney General online at www.oag.state.tx.us/consumer/scams.shtml or www.onguardonline.gov, managed by the Federal Trade Commission, for more information.
Job Scams – how to Avoid employment scams http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsearchscams/a/jobscams.htm
One of the questions we are often asked is how to tell whether a job posting is a scam or a real job. Even though it can be hard to tell the difference, there are warning signs.
Job sites try to police the listings, but, it’s hard to catch all the bad listings in a timely manner, especially when there are so many of them. Be very careful when reviewing postings to make sure that you’re not taken advantage of by unscrupulous scammers masquerading as legitimate employers.
Everyone searching for a job should be aware of the following: – If the job sounds too good to be true, it probably is…avoid further contact – Do NOT send an employer any money – Do not provide any Personal Identity Information to a sight-unseen employer – Report any suspicious activity to the Texas Workforce Commission
To see more tips related to avoiding employment scams, please click the link above.
Got a text message today from them asking me if I was someone they were looking for. I said no and asked them who they were and how did they get my number. A text message came back telling me to [***] Off! They have a very limited vocabulary whoever they are and I still don't feel comfortable with them having my number.
received a text message and an email from someone claiming to be in Human Resources at McGraw Hill Financial. This individuals name is Lakesha Stella - total scam on-line pre-interview - then a job offer - then we will send you a check to purchase equipment - oh by the way what is the name of your bank so we can see if it is compatible with our payroll service?
Can't believe they are getting away with using a legitimate company name and and @mcgrawhillfinancial.com email address
THIS SCAMMER USING THE NAME "LAKESHA STELLA" IS STILL ACTIVE.
423 668-0211 SCAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
Telephone # 423 668-0211 is scamming people into thinking they were hired for a job online. the female claims to be Lakesha Stella and says she is an Executive and has hired you. They will be sending you a fraudulent check and tell you it's to purchase laptops and other equipment when you work from home. They are a total scam and trying to obtain personal banking and sensitive information.
IT IS A TOTAL SCAM- REPORT THEM TO YOUR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.
IF YOU HAVE GIVEN PERSONAL INFORMATION OR PASSWORDS CHANGE THEM AND NOTIFY ANY BANKING INSTITUTION OF THE SCAM.
THEY SAY THEY ARE FROM VARIOUS COMPANIES.