Susan Orsini's Job Scam Nightmare

In today's interconnected world, job scams have become an alarming reality for many unsuspecting job seekers. Susan Orsini, a once successful media professional, shares her harrowing experience with a sophisticated job scam that left her financially devastated and emotionally drained.

Susan had a high-flying media job in New York City but, after a divorce, moved to Florida where she faced the threat of layoffs. In April 2022, she started working for a recruiter placing contract workers at Apple. However, the tech industry downturn led to significant layoffs, and by Christmas 2022, her company had let go of about a third of its employees. By March 2023, sensing more layoffs were imminent, Susan began searching for new job opportunities online.

She quickly found a promising listing for an executive assistant position offering remote work at a substantial salary. The job description was detailed, complete with a logo, and seemed legitimate. After a quick virtual interview, she received an enthusiastic acceptance email from the company.

Excited and relieved, Susan eagerly followed the instructions provided by her new employer. She was asked to purchase check refills from Staples and received a PDF check to deposit for $3,800, supposedly for partial payment for training and to purchase a compatible computer. Trusting the legitimacy of the offer, Susan wired the money to the vendor as instructed.

The initial deposit appeared in her bank account, but it was later reversed when the check bounced. The bank then deducted the wired amount from her account, leaving her with a negative balance. Susan tried to rectify the situation by contacting her supposed employer, but her attempts were futile. The pattern repeated with subsequent checks, each bouncing and causing further financial strain.

Susan's financial nightmare continued as her bank accounts were drained. She soon faced a negative balance, depleted savings, and mounting debts. She sought help from the police and filed complaints with various agencies, but the damage was already done. Her credit score plummeted, and she struggled to make ends meet, relying on her partner and family for support.

The emotional toll was severe. Susan felt like a failure and lost confidence in herself. Her relationship with her partner, an accountant, also suffered as he began doubting her judgment. Despite her efforts to find a new job, she faced months of unemployment and financial instability.

Susan's story serves as a stark reminder of the perils of online job scams. Job seekers must exercise caution, verifying the legitimacy of job offers, especially those conducted entirely online or via email. It's crucial to research the company, avoid sending money upfront, and be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.

In the end, Susan found another job and began to rebuild her life, but the experience left lasting scars. Her advice to others is to stay vigilant, verify job offers thoroughly, and be cautious with personal information. As job scams continue to rise, awareness and precaution are more important than ever.

Signs This Was a Scam

• Request for money upfront or to purchase items.
• Unsolicited job offer with a high salary and vague job description.
• Communication solely through email or virtual platforms without any face-to-face interaction.
• Suspicious checks that bounce or are reversed after deposit.
• Lack of verifiable contact information for the employer.

How to Avoid This Type of Scam

• Research the company thoroughly before accepting any job offer.
• Avoid sending money or purchasing items before starting a job.
• Verify the legitimacy of the employer through official company channels.
• Be cautious of job offers that seem too good to be true.
• Trust your instincts and seek advice if something feels off about the job offer.