Description

i was sent an offer of remote employment from what looked like a legit company, Sterling Hire. we went back and forth and because it was a remote, customer service position, assumed it was normal to handle all hiring over email and Teams chatting platforms. i accepted the position and filled "normal" new employee documents, where i did hand over all personal information. i was told that they would send me a check to buy my office supplies and equipment, which they did, an electronic check which i deposited in my mobile account. the check cleared the next day and then i proceeded to follow their instructions of sending payment to their "preferred vendors". I found out the next day, that the bank 'returned the deposited check' because it looked altered or fictitious and it used my personal funds to cover it. up to this point i am still talking with the company and they are saying they will escalate with their finance department, and talk to my bank. this morning, they have stopped responding and i found one report of a scam from someone else regarding this company.