by L.E. Duncan

Created on: March 31, 2008

When searching for employment online using the traditional job search websites most of us are aware and leery of the "get rich quick" and "work at home" jobs. Even with my experience on these sites, a new scam has evolved and I fell for it.

THE SCAM

After posting your resume online with one of the major job search sites, you will get a phone call explaining that you are being considered for a position for a company that is expanding to your area. In my case, I was offered a job as a courier, paying $18.00 hourly. However, they don't have an office set up in your area yet, and will need you to help set it up and get it running.

Because it is not a "get rich quick" offer, and there is no money to pay to work, it sounds like a legitimate job offer and you accept the position. They will then direct you to their website to complete the hiring process and instructed to go to the IRS website to print out a W-4 to complete and fax to them. Part of the hiring "paperwork" done online will be your direct deposit information. Additionally you will be asked for two forms of ID. None of this really seemed suspicious. These are all forms and procedures you would go through to be hired by any legitimate company.

They will then call you with your start date. Then, on your start date, they will call you at 9:00 am with your first assignment. Everything to this point seems legitimate unless you dig a little. Your first sign of trouble is the phone number they call you from is a "trunk" line, therefore you cannot call it back. If you try to call the contact numbers on the website, you will never get an answer. You may get a recording or a busy signal.

Each day they will call you with legitimate sounding assignments that are leading up to opening an office. Research the purchase of five computers, get local quotes for fax/copy machines, etc. On the Friday during the first week of "employment" they will deposit a check into your checking account for just under $500. It will look like a legitimate business check.

WHEN WE KNEW IT WAS A SCAM

The bank name on the check presented to our bank was spelled wrong. The check was physically walked into the bank by person. When this happened, my bank called me to inform me they had received a payroll check for me and it would be necessary to hold the check for a couple of days. I told them I wasn't expecting any deposits in that manner.

After examining the check it turns out that the information on the check did not have a business name on it, but

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