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Last updated on July 5th, 2024 at 12:55 pm
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Job scams aren’t anything new but I think they are on the rise especially now. Many people are now searching for new jobs or browsing job boards. I had an interesting email recently that I thought i’d share since there is so much fraud happening right now.
I’ve been using job boards for years so I think that’s where most of these scams may obtain info. But then again they just may be auto generated I can’t say. Either way if you are sent an email stating a job is available always do some searching before replying. I’ll get more into that later.
The email
I was sent a very random email stating there was a job opening for a position. I’m not stranger to these types of emails since as I mentioned I used job boards so I always figure they are for sales positions. Such as a job for an insurance company or other type of job.
This email was sent from an AOL email address (that set off red flags for me)
It was also sent from some one named Robin Brown.
The text
Vanessa Alonzo, agent position is available in Rancho Cucamonga, California
| Robin Brown <king.lisanoxu@aol.com> | Jul 31, 2020, 5:32 AM (1 day ago) |
Hello Vanessa Alonzo,
It’s our delight to inform you that Vendor Assistance Service Inc has analyzed your resume and is also very happy to offer you the Purchasing and Forwarding agent position!
VAS INC is a reliable and trusted company with years of profitable performance within the field of logistics and shipping.
Operating in the status of the Purchasing and Forwarding agent, you’ll purchase mandatory goods, record supplies and packages, take care of shipping and delivery, evaluate organization providers, keep data on item prices & inventory.
Take note, that this posture offers fast career advancement plus lots of rewards.
Computer system or a notebook together with a firm Internet connection is absolutely essential.If you’ve any concerns or require extra details regarding the employment itself or this letter, please contact us using flanou.hr@gmail.com
Here’s what gets me
Here’s what gets me. The sender is using an AOL account. This set off red flags since most offices use their own company email or something that ID’s the company. I also found it funny that they wanted me to contact a gmail account to apply for the job.
I looked up the company they mentioned. Vendor Assistance Service Inc may be a real company. I couldn’t find much about it (if it exists.) I did find a company that was based in Illinois that works with vendors to streamline their invoices. But they are an LLC not an INC.
I thought it was strange that the sender didn’t mentioned that they found my resume via a job board. Just that they have a job opening about 20 or so miles from where I live. I also have no skills in that type of position.
The red flags
Okay let’s start with the basics shall we.
- The lack of a business email address
- The addition of contacting another free email account for additional information
- A job description that is a bit vague and offers fast advancement
The above listed reasons is why I know this is a scam. Most job offers give you more info or at least a link to the company.
I also liked that it stated that you had to have internet connection. So to me this may be a buying scam or mailing fraud scam. Because the email mentions purchasing as well as mailing packages Along with keeping track of shipments.
They didn’t suggest you have any solid job skills either. I also just noticed that it states in the email title a location for the job offer. Yet when you read the email it gives you the impression that it’s a work form home job. So which is it?
As a reminder
As a reminder don’t email these senders back. If you aren’t in the job market yet you are sent an email such as this one just spam it.
It’s always better to be safe then sorry.
