Description

The scam began as an Outlook email, which described a job posting for taking care of their family per dogs. They ask for the target's qualifications for the job. They then ask for a home address and phone number, using the excuse of needing that information to mail the paychecks. Eventually, they created some superficial details about the job duties, family background, and their reason for moving to the county. They then proceeded to send a list of items they want their target to purchase for them when the check was received. They give a starting date for the job, but they stop contacting first until the check has arrived at the home address. As soon as the check arrives, they contact the target by phone number, and ask them to immediately deposit the check in order to buy the requested items. It is important to note that, during this contact, the scammer urges the target to deposit via their bank app (the fastest way to deposit) and they pressure the target to act quickly. The check itself, while official looking on the surface, displays signs of fraudulency. The typing is inconsistent and the bank logo did not match the bank name. Another thing to note: the scammer's grammar significantly decreased in professionalism and correctness when they transitioned from email to phone number contact. I suspect that the emails were likely written with the help, or done entirely by, an AI.