Are my fears valid?
So, I was requested to interview for a customer service vacancy, which will allow me to work remotely. I would love to be able to work primarily from home, so of course I I was thinking, "this is the opportunity that I've been hoping will come my way". The interview wasn't face to face nor over the phone. Rather, the interviewer conducted it all through Google Hang Outs. I found it a bit strange. Nevertheless she hired me and required all my personal info through Hangouts also and that her secretary would be needing it to create my file. I requested that she give me her secretary's name and phone number and that I would connect with her with my info. She said no. She didn't offer another option to me and our communication ceased. Did I just blow a fantastic opportunity with benefits over fear? Or, was it wise to suspect the possibility of foul play. In the last year, I've been robbed 2x, hacked another, lost 2 cars, Just financed one by the skin of my teeth and now it needs a new transmission. In addition I dont do social media well. I'm completely dumb when it comes to communication through social media. I feel embarrassed about it, but it is the truth. I dont want to live constantly feeling as though any opportunity is a scam. I was once an upbeat and optimistic. Now... paranoid pessimist and I hate it. Can anyone relate or validate, or help?
I am not saying it wasn't legitimate but Google Hang Outs has been a preferred medium for scammers to use.
I personally would not give any information at all.
Amy Holbrooks, it's sad but there are people out there that are preying on those that are unemployed. I say, that if I can't meet you then I can't except employment with you. Someone tried that with me and I knew right off the back because they sent me a check for over $2,000 telling me to purchase the equipment that I would need from a vendor that they worked with. And, my thoughts were, "why they couldn't just send me the equipment that I needed and not a check?" There was another time, where someone sent me 3 money orders I think for $900 each. I was told to just send them a portion, I can't remember the amount. I thought, really. Any, my bank was able to help me catch these crooks.
Seems pretty fishy. I wouldn't give any personal info online and /or over the phone. Always get face to face contact and an actual location.
It definitely was a scam!! No reputable business would ever conduct themself in a manner such as this. You are justified in feeling suspect over that hiring process. Classic scam artist!! What I will say is that business in this day and time is technologically driven. With that said, it would give you a great advantage if you would invest your time in becoming more computer savvy. Take a class at night at the local colleges in your area, or pay a niece or nephew that are in high school to help you acquire the necessary skills needed to compete in this tech-driven world. It would give you a great competitive edge...
You were absolutely right that was a scam! It is very difficult to always tell what is real and what is a scam a legitimate employer should meet with you face to face. Don’t lose hope!
Yes dear, that was a scam. You were smart that you didn’t give her your personal info. Unfortunately I got hacked by the same people and lost about $2000.00
Stay away from Google Hangouts If you suspected foul play, you're correct. it happened to me. It was all B.S.
That was a scam. I was contacted by the same scam, I think. I stopped when they told me I had to download Google Hangouts. Don't feel bad about that one. Complete scam.
This is the sad story about internet taking over our lives and turning us into nothing but email addresses. We are not human beings any longer! When we apply for jobs they are only looking at words and numbers! They have no interest in personality, character values or anything that is part of the human race! They don't hire you as a person, they hire you to fill a position that is open! You don't even get to meet a real person at the other end, if there is one! You have to find a line of work, career that has to be interviewed by a real live person and the type of work that is critical to be performed by a real live human being!!! Example; pilot, truckdriver, heavy machine operators profession in the customer service industry whereas they have to check out your appearance, behavior and intelligence! This world is doomed at the rate it is going!!! We are no longer people but just numbers that is easily replaceable!!!