I saw a job listed on LinkedIn for a Virtual Assistant. The job was located in CA. The pay seemed very high for the work required, and I should have questioned the legitimacy of this after seeing the email address. I applied anyway. I was immediately hired. I asked a few questions - Was I considered an employee, independent contractor, Did I need to send invoices, if so what info did they want on the invoice; I asked for more information about the work. I received back an email stating:
"We will sent you all the necessary information you will needs before 24 June,so that you will know how to use the printer and software.I am rest assured that you are eligible to take up the position. This virtual assistant position requires a printer and a licensed booking software. A pay check of $2950 will be sent to you which will cover:
1. Your first week pay of $400
2. The money for the printer and papers
3. The money for Licensed booking software.
The printer, papers and licensed booking software will be sent to your address The printer and licensed booking software are essential to perform the virtual assistance task successfully.Kindly send your full name as it should be on the check, valid mobile number and address of where the check should be sent to.
Sincerely,
james frank
Servpro Industries, LLC "
I responded asking for clarification regarding a printer purchase - why did I need to buy a printer. The response I received:
"The first check cover the printer and software and your first week salary.if you are interested,kindly sent your details requested in previous email."
At this point I realized this was possibly a scam and I have not responded. I looked to see if the job was still listed on LinkedIn and it was gone. I looked this morning and the job is there, new name, new location, exact same description but a different contact name. I called ServPro in the location given and asked for the person. They informed me that no one with that name works there.
Below is the job description:
We are looking for a Virtual Assistant to provide administrative support to our top executives while working remotely.
As a Virtual Assistant, you will perform various administrative tasks such as
• Booking for travels, meetings, hotels with a positive attitude and an energetic work ethic
• Order office supplies.
• Ability to multi-task, organize, and prioritize work
The weekly pay is $400 and the working hours is 6-7 hrs weekly. If you are interested, kindly reply by attaching your resume to [email protected] and I will follow-up with additional information.
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Servpro Contacts
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Type of a scam Employment
"We will sent you all the necessary information you will needs before 24 June,so that you will know how to use the printer and software.I am rest assured that you are eligible to take up the position. This virtual assistant position requires a printer and a licensed booking software. A pay check of $2950 will be sent to you which will cover:
1. Your first week pay of $400
2. The money for the printer and papers
3. The money for Licensed booking software.
The printer, papers and licensed booking software will be sent to your address The printer and licensed booking software are essential to perform the virtual assistance task successfully.Kindly send your full name as it should be on the check, valid mobile number and address of where the check should be sent to.
Sincerely,
james frank
Servpro Industries, LLC "
I responded asking for clarification regarding a printer purchase - why did I need to buy a printer. The response I received:
"The first check cover the printer and software and your first week salary.if you are interested,kindly sent your details requested in previous email."
At this point I realized this was possibly a scam and I have not responded. I looked to see if the job was still listed on LinkedIn and it was gone. I looked this morning and the job is there, new name, new location, exact same description but a different contact name. I called ServPro in the location given and asked for the person. They informed me that no one with that name works there.
Below is the job description:
We are looking for a Virtual Assistant to provide administrative support to our top executives while working remotely.
As a Virtual Assistant, you will perform various administrative tasks such as
• Booking for travels, meetings, hotels with a positive attitude and an energetic work ethic
• Order office supplies.
• Ability to multi-task, organize, and prioritize work
The weekly pay is $400 and the working hours is 6-7 hrs weekly. If you are interested, kindly reply by attaching your resume to [email protected] and I will follow-up with additional information.