Text Message Scam Alert – Whatsapp Job Application

We have a new scam alert sent out to people looking to take advantage of those on the job hunt.

Decoding the Scam: An Anatomy of Deceptive Text Messages

In today’s digital age, scams have become increasingly sophisticated, preying on the unsuspecting job seeker with offers too good to pass up (Ftc, 2023). A recent example of such a scam involves a text message purporting to be from “Madelyn of Indeed International Recruitment (US).” At first glance, the offer seems promising, claiming to seek Americans aged 20+ to assist a hotel booking platform. However, upon closer inspection, the red flags become apparent. Let’s dissect this message and arm ourselves with knowledge to avoid falling prey to similar scams in the future.

Here is the scam text message:

I’m Madelyn from Indeed International Recruitment (US) and we’re looking for Americans aged 20+ to help a hotel booking platform optimize bookings and reviews, driving awareness and bookings with free training. We offer part-time and full-time flex jobs, 5 days a week, 60 to 90 minutes a day, flexible hours and locations (based on your own schedule), and a base per diem of $300 to $800. $800 for 5 consecutive business days, $1,500 for 15 consecutive business days. If you earn $3,800 for 30 consecutive work days, you will receive a base salary allowance of $6,100 for one consecutive month. Paid annual leave: in addition to statutory holidays such as maternity leave and paternity leave. Regular employees are entitled to 5-15 days of paid annual leave. If you are interested, you can contact our employer via WhatsApp+ 16062258199 for more information!

-Scammer

The Gilded Hook: High Compensation for Minimal Work

The message begins with a lucrative offer: a part-time or full-time flex job requiring only 60 to 90 minutes daily, promising a base per diem of $300 to $800. For anyone in need of a job, this is an appealing bait. However, scammers often dangle the carrot of high pay for minimal effort to catch their victims off-guard. In reality, genuine job offers from reputable companies outline clear job responsibilities and reasonable compensation that aligns with industry standards.

The Lure of Flexibility and Independence

Another common tactic is the promise of flexible hours and locations, playing into the modern desire for work-life balance and autonomy. While telecommuting is a legitimate and growing trend, scammers exploit this by offering “flexible” jobs without concrete details or requiring an interview process.

The Escalating Reward System

The scam text outlines a tiered payment system, with increased earnings for consecutive business days worked. This is designed to entice the reader with exponential financial gain, a technique that legitimate businesses seldom use. A legitimate job would offer a clear salary or hourly rate, not a convoluted structure that seems to reward simply for showing up.

Generous Leave Policies

Paid annual leave, including statutory holidays and generous maternity/paternity leave, is mentioned to give the impression of a caring and compliant employer. While this is a benefit many employers offer, scammers include such details to appear more credible. Always research the company to confirm the benefits align with their official policies.

The Call to Action: External Communication Channels

The scam requests potential victims to contact an employer via WhatsApp using a provided phone number. Legitimate recruitment processes typically occur through official channels, such as company email addresses, not personal messaging services. This request is a glaring red flag; it attempts to take communication off secure platforms where they can evade monitoring.

1. Do Your Research: Always verify the company’s contact details by visiting their official website or contacting them through verified channels. Scammers often impersonate reputable companies, so cross-referencing information is crucial.
2. Never Pay to Work: If a job requires you to make a payment for training, equipment, or software before starting, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate employers cover these costs.
3. Be Wary of High Rewards for Low Effort: Real jobs require real work and offer fair compensation. Be skeptical of offers that seem too generous for the required effort.
4. Secure Communication: Trustworthy companies will use official email domains and verified communication channels for recruitment.
5. Privacy and Personal Information: Never share personal information like your Social Security number or bank details before verifying the job offer’s authenticity.
6. Be Skeptical of Urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to push you into acting quickly. Take your time to verify everything before proceeding.
7. Check Reviews and Complaints: Look for reviews or complaints about the company online. Websites like Glassdoor or the Better Business Bureau can provide insights into the company’s legitimacy.
8. Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, trust your instincts. It’s better to miss out on what you think might be an opportunity than to be caught in a scam.

The digital world offers as many opportunities for scams as it does for legitimate employment. By staying informed and vigilant, we can safeguard our personal information and finances against those who seek to exploit the unwary job seeker. Always remember: if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stay alert, stay skeptical, and stay safe.

Reference

Ftc. (2023, November 7). Job Scams. Ftc.

https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams#examples