Help Is this a Scam Yes? or No?

[puzzled]

Hi all I'm new here so thanks for taking the time to read this. Today I had an online interview via yahoo messenger. Everything seemed great but I had this strange feeling like it sounds too good to be true. I then went and looked up the company but it looks legit. So I typed in part of the job description in google and this thread came up by a member on here.
Scam Alert

Below was my interview. What made me worry a bit is the job duties are practically the same word for word... except the company name is different. Could this be the same people? My interviewer hasn't asked for any fees..yet, but I don't want to get scammed.

Lilian Lawson: <ding>
mathokg: Good morning
Lilian Lawson: How are you doing today?
mathokg: I'm good, having a bit of a late start.
mathokg: How are you Lilian?
mathokg: We seem to have missed each other these past couple of days.
Lilian Lawson: Yes
mathokg: Third times the charm.
Lilian Lawson: Are you set for the interview
mathokg: Yes I am
Lilian Lawson: I am Mrs Lilian Lawson The hiring manager of (Medela Health Care Ltd), I am located at 1101 Corporate Driven McHenry, IL 60050. I would be the one to brief you about the position and the company.

What are your full name age sex and where are you located ?

mathokg: My name is [private], I am 24 years old; and located in [private] Kansas
Lilian Lawson: The name of the company is Medela HealthCare Ltd Founded in 1961 in Zug, Switzerland by Olle Larsson, Medela continues to grow under the ownership of the Larsson family today. Medela serves its customers through 15 subsidiaries distributing to over 90 countries worldwide. Medela’s U.S. subsidiary, Medela, Inc., has been serving the American market for nearly 30 years.

Medela’s commitment to quality products and supportive programs has made the company the industry leader and the primary supplier of breastpumps to healthcare facilities in the United States.

Lilian Lawson: Medela is the first manufacturer in the United States to develop a workplace program to meet the needs of working mothers. Through the Corporate Lactation Program, businesses support breastfeeding employees and their families by providing breastfeeding counseling and breastpumps in an accessible, private, pleasant location. This program has been instrumental in making American businesses more "nursing-mother-friendly" with programs in major corporate firms.Our office is located at 1101 Corporate Driven Sebastian,Fl. 60050,we have locations all over the usa and currently working on setting up some branch in Lenexa Kansas ..... and thats why we are employing online,but when the new office near you is ready you can be assign to one of them that is if you qualify.

Lilian Lawson: This is strictly an online and work from home job the working hours are flexible and you can chose to work from anywhere of your choice,the pay is $25 per hour training is $15 per hour and will be get payment bi weekly via check or direct deposite working 30 to 40 hours weekly,if you are employed you are going to be working as a full employee and not an independent contractor.Benefits: Health, Dental, Life and AD&D Insurance, Employee Wellness and 401k plans.Paid Time Off and Holidays with Generous Company Discounts okay?

mathokg: Alright sounds great.
Lilian Lawson: The duties are: Inputs information from a variety of sources into a computer database. May take customer orders and enter them into a pre-established tracking system...Assignments will be sent to you via e-mail or IM and you will report directly to your immediate supervisor okay?
mathokg: Alright
Lilian Lawson: Have you ever worked from home or online before ?Are you currently employed ?How many hours do you intend to dedicate to this job position daily ?
mathokg: Yes I have worked from home before with West Corporation and also affiliate marketing with commission Junction.
mathokg: With West I answered incoming calls from customers about various order issue or location of stores and productions.
mathokg: It required no interruptions so I had to be in a private room with no background intereference.
mathokg: Also I would have to sign in before begining work in the morning. When my hours were complete I would fill out the online time card and sign out.
mathokg: It's actually similar to my previous call center positions.
Lilian Lawson:
How many years experience do you have in Data entry/Book keeping?
How many years experience do you have in auditing reports?
How many years experience do you have in sorting and filing documentation?
mathokg: Except with like when I worked for Cricket Broadband as tech support there was further training due to the technical support I had to provide for customer accounts and related issues.
mathokg: I have two years experience in data entry accumulated from my previous positions.
mathokg: As for auditing I have not had the opportunity to try yet.
mathokg: Sorting I have experience in that. I have worked as a mail sorter for a previous company named Bowne marketing and research
mathokg: where I had to file certain mail being distributed to various company employees.
Lilian Lawson: Whats your clerical speed? Do you have an idea of how to use MS excel ?What is your highest educational diploma?
When did you receive it?
Whats your clerical speed? Do you have an idea of how to use MS excel ?What is your highest educational diploma?
When did you receive it?

[puzzled]

mathokg: So everything had to be categorized to Person, state and city.
mathokg: I type between 45-50 wpm, 45 with more accuracy and yes I do have experience in excel. I actually took computer applications in both high school and my college freshman year.
mathokg: So the majority of the coursework delt with creating spreadsheets and formulas.
mathokg: My highest diploma is my High School diploma.
mathokg: I graduated back in 2005.
mathokg: Currently I'm a third year college student.
mathokg: I also have microsoft office 2007 on my pc if that will be required for the work.
Lilian Lawson: How do you handle conflict?
mathokg: I attempt to resolve any issues that arise by myself first, such as customer complaints with accounts. If the issue is something I can not resolve I seek help from a supervisor or co worker.
mathokg: In personal life situations my response is the same way except I usually try to resolve the issues a bit longer while keeping a calm presence.
Lilian Lawson: How long would you expect to work for us if hired?Tell me about yourself and your last/current job ?

mathokg: If I am hired I expect to be working for you indefinitely; or until I am promoted by you to another prosition in the company.
Lilian Lawson: Why Should we Hire You?
mathokg: My previous position was working in call center for a marketing company called Applied Research. I would show
mathokg: You should hire me because I know I can handle the position. I have worked in similar situations. I have a familiar background, I am dependable and always give my best effort.
mathokg: I am also a good researcher by the way, which Is always a good quality to have should any questions arise in the future and I am unable to seek immediate assistance with an issue.
Lilian Lawson: Well you have done well so far and you seem like a perfect fit for this position....Hold on online while i send your answers to my superiors for review and consideration okay ?
mathokg: Alright
mathokg: would you like me to finish responding that last question I didn't finish?
mathokg: I'll just wait than.
mathokg: Are you still there Mrs. Lawson?
Lilian Lawson: Yes
Lilian Lawson: i will get back to you in 5 mins
mathokg: Alright just checking.
Lilian Lawson:
I am back now..the result for the interview is on my desk The good news is....you have just been confirmed qualified for this position
mathokg: Alright!
mathokg: Is there bad news..?
Lilian Lawson: You are now offered the job position...you areHIRED!
You are welcome to Medela HealthCare Ltd
You are now given a chance to show your commitment,charisma,diligence and be a productive employee.


You will Earn $25 per hour,You will receive your pay via Check weekly...What bank do you operate with ?
mathokg: Thats great!
mathokg: I am with U.S. Bank
Lilian Lawson: You will recieve your duties online everyday and i will always be online to assist you with any difficulties
Lilian Lawson: Your Primary duties include: Preparation of Balance sheets (Mini), account balancing, invoicing recording,proper data analysis of sales records and recording pay slips into accounting database

Secondary duties:Now, your secondary daily duties would be to report to your Supervisor, who would be attached to you online, He/She would assign logs of duty daily and you would be required to work according to instructions, using the Microsoft Office tools and the Accounting software. Now the function of the Accounting software is to arrange, formalize and manage the data you have processed, sent to your supervisor via E-mail.

Can you handle the Job duties if you are being trained towards it ?
mathokg: Of course I can't wait to start training.
mathokg: Will I be trained by my supervisor? or you?
mathokg: Also what accounting software will I be using?
Lilian Lawson: You would be eligible to Benefits after 1months of working with company Benefits offered are Health Insurance / Vacations / Bonuses

This Job offers Flexible hours but you are to report online by 8:30am daily for duties,task,and assignment...Ok?
mathokg: Alright I can do that.
Lilian Lawson: I need you to email me with the following: Your full name,current Home address and Phone numbers via email to lilian.warren45@yahoo.com to enable my secretery enlist them into the Company's Register for proper documentation.
Email that and get back to me here on chat now okay ?
mathokg: Alright.
mathokg: I have sent the required info.
Lilian Lawson: You will be undergoing a 3 day training and orientation which will commence as soon as you have all working materials and you are rest assured that you will be paid for it

You will be fax or email a paper work and a HR document during your orientation and training,you are to fill,sign and send back to us,we take out taxes okay ?
mathokg: Alright.
Lilian Lawson: You will need some Data entry/Accounting software and also a time tracker to commence your training and orientation and also you need the software to get started with work...the work of the time tracker is to calculate your hours worked since this is an online work from home.

Here are the name's of the software's you will need to start working with BS 1 Accounting software ,myob business essentials software 2010,For Peach Tree premium 2010 US Patent Single Users Pack, simply accounting 2010. and a Time Tracker
The funds for the software will be provided for you by the company via check ..... make sure you use them as instructed for the software okay ?

mathokg: Alright
Lilian Lawson:
As soon as the check its been issued out to you i will notify you and provide you with the tracking number so you can keep track and know when it will get to you okay ?

mathokg: Alright I can do that.
Lilian Lawson: Do you understand what i said about the check for your working materials Explain?
mathokg: So I will be using the provided check to purchase these software?
Lilian Lawson: Yes
Lilian Lawson: You are to report to me tomorrow by 8:30am your time for update on the check and on how to get started with work.....ok?

mathokg: Won't I need to have the software first to begin training? I'm not sure I understand unless its not needed for training.
Lilian Lawson: The training is a task
Lilian Lawson: This task helps us to test your working ability
Lilian Lawson: But you will begin tomorrow
mathokg: Oh Alright.
mathokg: I'll be on at 8:25am then.
Lilian Lawson: Have a great day
mathokg: You too Mrs. Lawson thanks for accepting me.
Lilian Lawson is typing...
Lilian Lawson: You're welcome

this is the link to the thread I found on here. I couldn't post it because I needed at least 1 post.
Scam Alert

[AG1976]

Oh, that's a total scam. The check that they send you will be fraudulent...I guarantee it.

[puzzled]

That's what confused me; I knew if they asked for an upfront fee then it was a scam, but she said they will pay for the work software with the check they'll mail.. So you think it will be a fake check? Should I just send a reply saying I changed my mind and decline so they don't try to charge me any shipping fees or some other bs.

[happymom2]

Be careful. That is a scam. I had an interview similar to this.


hiringdesk_petra (11/17/2011 10:32:39 AM): How are you?
MST_Jessica_Verdugo (11/17/2011 10:35:23 AM): I am doing fine. How are you?
hiringdesk_petra (11/17/2011 10:36:05 AM): I am doing great
hiringdesk_petra (11/17/2011 10:36:26 AM): Are you ready for the job briefing and interview?
MST_Jessica_Verdugo (11/17/2011 10:36:41 AM): Sure
hiringdesk_petra (11/17/2011 10:37:52 AM): I am Mrs Petra Jerkovic am here to brief and interview you more about the opening position.
MST_Jessica_Verdugo (11/17/2011 10:38:22 AM): okay
MST_Jessica_Verdugo (11/17/2011 10:54:29 AM): Go ahead.
hiringdesk_petra (11/17/2011 10:56:58 AM): The name of the company is Ovex technology to know more about the company OVEX TECHNOLOGIES PAKISTAN . This branch hiring you is located in Nevada
hiringdesk_petra (11/17/2011 10:57:37 AM): This is strictly an online and work from home job the working hours are flexible and you can chose to work from anywhere of your choice,the pay is $25 per hour
training is $20 per hour and will be
get payment bi weekly via direct deposit or paycheck working 40 to 45 hours weekly,if you are employed you are going to be working as a full employee and not an independent contractor.Benefits:
Health, Dental, Life and AD&D Insurance, Employee Wellness and 401k plans.Paid Time Off and Holidays with Generous Company Discounts
MST_Jessica_Verdugo (11/17/2011 11:02:49 AM): On the website it states that it is in Pakistan. I am confused?
hiringdesk_petra (11/17/2011 11:03:28 AM): Yes that is the head branch
MST_Jessica_Verdugo (11/17/2011 11:03:54 AM): Okay. Tell me more.
hiringdesk_petra (11/17/2011 11:04:01 AM): This is strictly a Data entry , work from home position
hiringdesk_petra (11/17/2011 11:04:20 AM): You would be eligible to Benefits after 1months of working with company Benefits offered are Health Insurance / Vacations / Bonuses
MST_Jessica_Verdugo (11/17/2011 11:04:44 AM): Okay. That sounds good.
hiringdesk_petra (11/17/2011 11:07:13 AM): Working hrs are flexible.All activities and corresponding time are to be recorded in excel spreadsheet.As for your duties, i will assist you with any difficulties by email
MST_Jessica_Verdugo (11/17/2011 11:08:01 AM): Okay. What type of information would I be entering?
hiringdesk_petra (11/17/2011 11:09:51 AM): DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:Tracks data and source documents.Prepares and sorts source documents, and identifies and interprets data to be entered.Compiles, sorts and verifies data for
accuracy.Contacts responsible parties to resolve moderately complex
questions, inconsistencies, or missing data.Enters alphabetic, numeric, or symbolic data from source documents into computer
following format displayed on screen, and enters necessary codes.Compares data entered with source documents identifying errors and subsequently correcting any errors.Files or routes source
documents after entry.Responds to inquires regarding entered data.Maintains daily count of work processed. May create periodic reports for management.Performs routine maintenance on machinery
used.
MST_Jessica_Verdugo (11/17/2011 11:11:49 AM): Okay. What software would I be using?
hiringdesk_petra (11/17/2011 11:14:00 AM): Can you handle this duties effectively?
MST_Jessica_Verdugo (11/17/2011 11:14:52 AM): Yes I can.
hiringdesk_petra (11/17/2011 11:16:13 AM): You will undergo a one week training from your training supervisor,he will training you on how to work with the programs accurate and other Data entry works you will need to get done.Your training is going to be done online through your Pc and Phone
hiringdesk_petra (11/17/2011 11:17:58 AM): You will be fax or email a paper work and a HR document during your orientation and training,you are to fill,sign and send back to us,we take out taxes
MST_Jessica_Verdugo (11/17/2011 11:18:41 AM): Okay.
hiringdesk_petra (11/17/2011 11:21:07 AM): You will Earn $25 per hour,You will receive your pay via Direct deposit or Paycheck bi weekly.Training $20 per hour.Here are the name's of the software's you will need to start working with Myob
business essentials software 2010, US Patent Single Users Pack simply accounting 2010
MST_Jessica_Verdugo (11/17/2011 11:29:32 AM): Where would I purchase this?
hiringdesk_petra (11/17/2011 11:30:26 AM): The company will provide you a free Hp laptop with a fast internet connection and your
W4 form will be coming along with the working materials you need to start working with.Therefore you are
needed to make purchase for the software programs you need to start working with and the company will have you reimbursed for the order of the software programs.You are to make the purchase for the
programs the company does not specialized on the software programs you are to get it from the company certified vendor that is the third party to the company she will have them install with disc
and shipped to you overnight via FedEx
MST_Jessica_Verdugo (11/17/2011 11:36:01 AM): No thank you. It is too expensive.
hiringdesk_petra (11/17/2011 11:36:32 AM): Ok
hiringdesk_petra (11/17/2011 11:36:32 AM): The cost for the accounting software program is $365.76 . Note: You will be reimbursed along your first paycheck next week (Thursday). You are to make the purchase from the vendor all our employees
has been buying from for 4 years now
Last message received on 11/17 at 11:36 AM
MST_Jessica_Verdugo (11/17/2011 11:38:38 AM): Thanks, but no thanks. I know you are a fraud.
hiringdesk_petra (11/17/2011 11:41:13 AM): Please report me

[puzzled]

Wow... that's just like mine... this IS A SCAM! Are there any legit jobs online these days... What a waste of time, I thought I had found a good job too.

Should I be worried? I gave her my name, address and number..but I figured they had it already since its on my resume.

[danasurvey]

As long as you didn't give out any bank or account info, you're probably fine. And I agree with the others. This is a scam.

There are a lot of positions listed in this section of the forum and new ones are posted every day. Most are customer service related.

[wahmt]

Jeez. Omg. And Medela is a legitimate company, so I guess that's why these scammers probably unfortunately have luck with perpetuating this fraud.

An easy way to make a judgment about whether or not this (or another offer) is a scam would be to simply go to Medela's website, click on Contact Us and call the number and ask whether or not they hire or offer remote positions. I don't see any listed on their website as of right now. So, if none are listed, they probably don't hire or aren't currently hiring. Or reserve a telecommuting option for long time employees, in which case it wouldn't be listed. At least with widely acknowledged telecommuting positions such as the Google Quality Rater position, there used to be a direct listing under Google jobs on their own website.

Another red flag would be that you have to pay for software, but yet you'll eventually be eligible for employee benefits like vacation, etc. It just doesn't add up.

Also, another red flag- too high hourly rate for the nature of work described. $25/hr for essentially what sounds like glorified data entry work? Now, of course, as scammers get smarter (if that's even possible? if they were that smart, why would they be scamming others?) then perhaps they'd eventually align the hourly rate with what they're alleging to offer) so something that sounds legit might still not be in the end. But when there are definite red flags, it's easier to make an accurate judgment.

[allimaher]

Okay, so you probably have understood that this is definitely a scam lol. I just wanted to throw my two cents in here because I have been scammed like this and usually what happens is that they will send you the check and then they expect you to deposit it into your acct. Walah, they have your account information and they can steal your identity or just completely empty your bank account out.

I would just stop communicating completely and contact Medula and let them know about these people.

Be Careful!!!!

[angelsallaround321]

Hello everyone,

I have not posted in a while but I have been lately just searching through the forum. And wanted to say that the scammers are getting more and more high tech and we have to be so much more on our game with this. It is not only jobs but with items that are for sale, and for properties that are for rent or buy. So lets keep one another informed, if we band together to stop this we can do it by eliminating one scammer at a time.