Description

I submitted my interest to a job posting for a content proofreader via LinkedIn and received an invitation to apply via text. We started speaking on September 19, 2025 via Teams. I spoke with someone claiming to be Emily Sisto from Scribe Media several times, answered interview questions, and completed an editing assessment before she offered me the job. They then sent an offer letter and W4, which I filled out and returned. They then sent a long list of very expensive hardware they wanted me to purchase for the role. I said I was not comfortable paying that much and waiting for reimbursement. She then said she would send me a check and asked where I banked. I asked her why my bank matters for these funds, and she said it was so they knew where company funds were going. It seemed like a red flag, but I wasn't worried if she only knew the institution. She then sent a check to my email, told me to cash the check via mobile deposit and use those funds to purchase the equipment. She sent the check immediately following her explanation and I knew it was likely a scam. I told her that I'm not comfortable with that and it would take time for that check to clear my bank, especially through mobile deposit, and I needed a different way to access my hardware and she has not messaged back. That's when I saw the email domain from the check was scribemedia.com.es, not scribemedia.com and I knew it was a scam. I have attached the check they sent via email and can provide the chat history if needed.