Description

I received an email as part of a mailing list from my university’s career opportunity group. It went as follows. “ Good day, Work at your convenience and earn $550 weekly. It's a Flexible part-time job. All the tasks are work from home/on campus job, you don't need to travel somewhere and also you don't need to have a car to get started. Please find the position and some basic information below. Position: Personal Assistant/Bookkeeper Type: Part-Time Job Pay:$550 Weekly Hours: Average of 5-7hrs Weekly To know more about the position please apply below. to apply ( CLICK HERE TO APPLY ) or send a copy of your resume to ( [email protected] ) using your alternative email Application will be received, and you will get a response between 2- 24 hours Regards, Job Placement & Student Services [UNIVERSITY NAME] Academy Career Opportunity.” The link sent me to a google form to apply. Asked for my name, city of residence, email and phone number. Within hours I got an email from the scammer, as well as a text message asking for me to reply to the email. I regrettably replied to the text message, but not the email: “ Hello([Name in parentheses]) Concerning the Personal Assistant Job that you have applied for, I am glad to congratulate you as your position has been confirmed. Sorry we can't meet before you get started with work as I am presently away on a trip in Australia with my father who is Battling with Cancer and has an upcoming surgery next week. I will be back to the States by the 2university Impostor8th of next month. But rest assured that you can officially get started. As soon as I have arrived we can discuss more issues. First Task: I make charity donations to 3 orphanage homes every month and, in your capacity, you will purchase some toys and other gift items for the orphanage homes. I will email you the list of all items to be purchased at the store and all the necessary information on how to get it mailed out to the orphanage homes. Gas money will be provided for your car and if you don't have a car, funds will be provided for Uber around. Humanitarianism is something I have a passion for no matter how big or small the assignment. I will provide the funds which you will use to purchase these items. The fund will be informed of a (Cashier Check) and it will be issued to you along with your paid weekly allowance ($550). As soon as you have received the check payment, you will deduct your paid weekly allowance ($550) payment from it and you will use the rest to purchase the toys. NOTE: It's a Flexible part-time job where you will determine your working time. All the tasks are work from home/on campus, you don't need to travel somewhere, and you don't need to have a car to get started. Ensure you check your emails daily so you can keep in contact with me because I will be communicating with you mostly through email. It is nice to have you on board as my Personal Assistance. * Do you have an existing bank account where you can deposit your check (If YES what's the name of the bank) ? * Reconfirm your present local address for mail delivery. * What is your Mobile # that receives text msg ? * Confirm your full name for the check? * Do you know how to initiate a mobile deposit? Kindly make sure you acknowledge this email as that will re-confirm your readiness and willingness to proceed. Make sure to constantly look at my email and will be on stand-by to receive future instructions. Best Regards Charles Liam.” I initially wanted to trust the listing because it was from the university. However, the job description showed that it was far from legitimate. Details within the email like names and amounts being in () confirmed the nature of this for me.