Description

I was emailed by NAME with a legitimate looking company email from Synacor Inc. that I was shortlisted for a Product Manager role. No misspellings or bad grammar. Once I expressed interest, they sent a job description and screening test questions. I filled out the questions - there were 19 of them, none asking for personal information and all seemed legit type interview questions. I spent several hours on these responses, and sent the responses back. He acknowledged receiving them and said they would be forwarded to the Board of Directors for review, and they would reach out regarding the next steps in the process. He also offered to answer any questions I may have. The next day I received an email with a job offer: "Key Details: Position: Remote Product Manager Hourly Rate: $70 per hour, paid weekly via wire transfer, direct deposit, or check, according to your preference. Benefits: Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance, Employee Wellness, and Paid Time Off. Additional benefits will be available after three months of employment. Onboarding and Training: You will receive your daily duties via email, and I will be available online to guide you through your tasks. You will undergo a 3 to 5-day online training via Zoom immediately after setting up your workspace. We will communicate virtually for now pending the time your workspace is set up. After five days of working with us, you will be provided with a user ID, password, and access to the company server. You will also receive a list of contact phone numbers for various departments, along with all necessary forms to complete. Workspace Setup: Before you start, you will receive a payment (check) to set up your workspace by purchasing the necessary office equipment and software for your training and work. Next Steps: Shortly, you will receive your official Employment Offer Letter. Our aim is to start your training as soon as possible. Please send the following details immediately so that HR can register you and create your offer letter: Full Name: Full Home Address: Phone Number: Email Address: We are excited to have you join our team and look forward to your contributions to Synacor Inc. Congratulations once again! Kind Regards." I have been looking for a job for some time, and if it seems too good to be true, it always is. No actual video interview was a red flag, and of course, the check for workspace setup was weird. I contacted Synacor's HR department and forwarded the email. They confirmed it was a scam.