Tell HN: Check fraud schemes abound in "remote work" opportunities

Thanks for the reminder to the HN freelancing crew.

Personally, I always start a freelancing project by sending a Stripe payment link.

If they're willing to pay that, I'm willing to switch to a different payment method for the next one.

I don’t get how this “scheme” works. If I’m getting hired why am I supposed to pay them for anything?

There are some huge scams going on for the unemployed right now. I got about 6 "interviews". They promise you about $30 to $40 for a data-entry job or clerk job or payroll, something that is a "dream come true job", but understand what an interviewer should ask for. Asking for your identifying information or bank account info is a huge red flag. All of them wanted to use an instant chat: Teams, Google Hangouts, Telegram, or Skype.

Literally, they asked the same exact questions, so they are obviously given a template:

1. Have you worked from home before?

2. What interests you about this role?

3. What motivates you?

4. What are your goals for the future?

5. What can you bring to the company?

6. What qualities make a good leader?

7. Have you been in the military before?

8. Are you currently employed?

9. Do you have a printer, copier and scanner?

10. Are you seeking employment in a company of a certain size?

1. How long do you intend working for this company ?

2. How many hours are you willing to Work per day? (4 hours Minimum per day or 45 hours Maximum per week)

3. What time range?

4. When would you be available to start if HIRED?

5. Payroll Interval? (Weekly or Bi-weekly)

6. Payroll Method (Direct deposit, Pay Check, Wire Transfer or Credit card transfer? )

7. What is the name of the Bank which you currently operate with so as to see if it tallies financially with the company's official salary payment account ?

8. Do you have a Credit card..?

9. What's your mobile network provider ?

10. Do you have Professional Reference? ( Give me two phone Contacts and name )

Advice is to check the company website and LinkedIn for the name interviewing you. Call the company and see if they are interviewing. And do not give any personal information out at all.

I even had the interviewer asking for my credit cards and promising they would pay them off. What company does that? None.

Regardless of whether it's an intentional scam, if a client tells me they want to pay by cheque I'm going to be laughing through the entire "thanks but no thanks" response.

You might as well tell me you want to pay me with livestock and your most buxom slave girl, it sounds equally as barbaric.

I get at least one of these in my inbox every week. Does anyone have any good ideas for a revenge scheme?