Description

I received a text message offering me a position to work for Target. The message was initially sent from: [email protected] This is the what the text message said: “ Hi, I'm a recruiter at TARGET, my name is Maya. Your background and resume have been recommended by multiple online recruitment agencies. Therefore, we would like to offer you a great remote online part-time job to help TARGET merchants update data, increase visibility and bookings, and provide you with free training. Flexible part-time and full-time work, allowing you to work 60 to 90 minutes a day, 4 days a week, and earn extra income on weekends. You can work anytime and anywhere according to your schedule and earn $250 to $500 a day. The basic salary is $1,000 per 4 days of work. Paid annual leave: In addition to maternity leave, paternity leave and other statutory holidays, ordinary employees also enjoy 15-20 days of paid annual leave. The company currently has 50 vacancies, if you want to join us, please send a text message to 9203272974 for more information (Note: Applicants must be at least 28 years old and responsible.)” I replied and this is what I received: “ Hello, my name is Scarlett, and I'm in charge of this recruitment. I'm glad you're interested in this position Before I introduce the job, I’d like to ask you a question: When you shop online, do you usually check other customers’ reviews of a product first?“ After I responded I received this message: “ Great! I believe you'll have a good understanding of this job. Next, I'll share more details about the position with you. This job is the same as your online shopping experience. The job involves logging into Target's work platform every day and providing five-star positive reviews for products. Our positive review data improves product rankings and increases product sales, and merchants reward us with generous commissions. You can do it easily from your phone or computer. It's not hard to understand, right? ” I sent a message in response to the above text requesting: “Can we set a time to speak over the phone, and or virtual platform for a video conference call? “ I then received this in response: “ Sorry, I can't take your call for the time being because there are too many people inquiring about job information right now, please use SMS to leave me a message and I'll reply to your message as soon as I'm free!” I was then sent this message with a “Target Rate Salary Sheet” listing a pay scale with commissions and was then sent this massage: “Okay, I think I've given you a detailed overview of the job. Every new employee is required to go through training to ensure they fully understand the role. After completing the training, you’ll receive a bonus of $70 to $130. Do you use WhatsApp? You’ll need it to contact the training mentor and participate in the training.“ I was then sent this message after I responded: “I’ve arranged a training mentor for you. Please add her on WhatsApp and send her a message to receive your training access. WhatsApp number: 15132547753“ “Training code: YHCTE519228 Please send the training code to the instructor to obtain your training qualification“ I then followed up on WhatsApp per the instructions sent in the above text message. This is the message I received on WhatsApp: “ Hi, I'm Selina, a training instructor at Target. “ Your training code has been confirmed. Please provide your name and age. This training will be recorded and archived.” This was my reply requesting verification and authenticity and verification they were employed by Target: “It’s good to meet you (virtually) Salina. My name is Mike. Before I provide additional information about me. Can I confirm that this is a legitimate process for hiring for this position with Target, and that you are an employee of Target. How was contacted and put in touch with you is different than what I am accustomed to. Thanks“ I was then sent the following messages via WhatsApp in response to my above message/request: “ Before I start describing the job I would like to ask you a question that will help you understand the job. „ Have you ever shopped online? Do you browse buyers' reviews of items before you shop online? After I delayed following up due to suspicion this is a scam, I was sent picture of a certificate posed to verify their employment with Target and was sent this address: 1000 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA I am submitting this given this has all the characteristics scheme/scam “