Victim Location 33612
Type of a scam Employment
I received a text message (ph: 415-669-0549) in response to a job search. The messenger introduced himself as recruiter Chris Blake from Ripcord Inc. I googled Chris Blake who is an sales manager for the actual company which led me to believe this was a real offer. The messenger informed me that if I was still interested in the position that I was to contact the HR manager by the name of Brooke Bento. I googled Brooke Bento to find this was also a real figure but she didn’t work for Ripcord Inc. I was advised to contact Mrs Bento by downloading messenger app by the name of Telegram in order to communicate with the HR department. Upon downloading the app, I was then advised to contact Mrs Bento by logging into (http://t.me/interviewmanager00) or by using the Telegram app with the number 516-399-0716. Upon logging into the app I was at this point communicating with who I thought was the Hiring manager of Ripcord Inc. Below is the actual communication:
ME, [16.06.20 12:36]
Good afternoon. I have been forwarded this contact information from Chris Blake in response to a Data Entry or Customer Service position offered by your company. As I informed Chris, I am currently unavailable for a video interview at this time, but would appreciate if we could schedule for tomorrow at your convenience. Thank you for your consideration.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 12:37]
Okay. How are you today ?
ME, [16.06.20 12:37]
I am fine thank you. How are you?
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 12:38]
I’m doing great and thanks for asking. You have a total of (20) minutes for the Job briefing and interview session which is in form of Q and A for the Interview session part …As soon as we proceed you will get to know more and understand better and please be fast with response, it is highly appreciated Okay ?
ME, [16.06.20 12:38]
Okay
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 12:39]
I am Mrs Brooke Bento. The Chief of Staff at Ripcord Inc. Please introduce yourself indicate your location?
ME, [16.06.20 12:39]
My name is XXXXXXX I reside in XXXXX Florida.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 12:40]
These are the requirements for the Job…
– Driver’s License Card or a State ID
-Must be fluent in communication and English
-Must have clear criminal charges
-Must be atleast 40wpm average
-Must be above 18years
I believe you have no issues here?
ME, [16.06.20 12:40]
No issues
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 12:43]
Okay great! You can visit the company at https://www.ripcord.com for more information.
You may review the website while we proceed…Okay?
ME, [16.06.20 12:43]
Okay.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 12:45]
The job position currently offered is strictly an online and work from home job. The working hours are flexible and you can choose to work from anywhere of your choice. The pay is $19 per hour and training is $10 per hour and will be paid bi weekly via direct deposit or paycheck and the maximum amount you can work a week is 45 hours. If you are hired you will be working as a full employee
I believe working from home will not be a problem for you ?
ME, [16.06.20 12:46]
I prefer working from home. Thank you.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 12:48]
RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES are : attending Scheduling appointment, Entering customer information, attending to customer inquiries and questions. Invoicing, Payroll & Managing Emp. Files ,Entering expense reports in computer system Running and processing multiple documents utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access Inputting purchase orders Other various administrative tasks,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…Can you handle that?
ME, [16.06.20 12:49]
Yes, I have had similar responsibilities in the past.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 12:52]
Please answer the following questions as accurately as possible.
Have you ever worked from home or online before ? How many hours do you intend to dedicate to this job position daily?
ME, [16.06.20 12:53]
Yes, I have had remote positions in the past. I am able to dedicate 8 to 12 hours a day to the position.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 12:57]
What do you understand with the term “Customer Satisfaction” ?
ME, [16.06.20 12:59]
Customer Satisfaction to me, means that the customer’s needs come first. My responsibility is to provide the customer with a satisfied experience.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 13:01]
Good! How many years experience do you have in Data entry/Book keeping and Customer Service/Receptionist?How many years experience do you have in auditing reports?How many years experience do you have in sorting and filing documentation?
ME, [16.06.20 13:04]
I currently have over 12 years experience with Data entry/Book keeping, Customer Service, documentation filing and sorting.7 years experience with auditing and reception.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 13:06]
Do you have a computer and a printer/Scanner ? Are you currently employed ?
ME, [16.06.20 13:08]
I do have a computer printer and scanner. I am not currently employed by a company.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 13:08]
Okay. Are you more efficient when working alone or with a Team, with little or no supervision?
ME, [16.06.20 13:10]
I have no problem working with a team, however I have been very successful working independently.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 13:10]
What’s 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?
ME, [16.06.20 13:11]
My highest level of education is an AAS received in 1992. I type an average of 45 wpm and I am very familiar with MS Excel.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 13:17]
What kind of goals would you have in mind if you got this job?
ME, [16.06.20 13:19]
With this job my goals would include maintaining an above average data entry and customer satisfaction approval rating.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 13:21]
How long do you expect to remain employed with this company if hired? and Why Should we Hire You?
ME, [16.06.20 13:25]
If hired the position that I am applying for allows for me to satisfy the requirements and duties of the company as well as permits time for me to continue with my passion which is painting. So, I believe that I could stay with the company indefinitely under the current conditions.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 13:27]
Okay sounds good!
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 13:27]
So, if you are hired, How would you like to be Paid ? Weekly Or Bi-Weekly?
• What means of payment do you prefer ? Direct deposit , Check , Wire Transfer ?
• What Bank Do you Operate with to see if it tallies with the company’s official salary payment account?
ME, [16.06.20 13:28]
You previously mentioned that the pay is bi-weekly, but I would prefer weekly if available. I prefer direct deposit and I bank with Bank Of America.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 13:29]
I believe you do have Professional References? ( Give me two phone contacts and names)
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 13:31]
Okay good…..They will be contacted during normal business hours when needed
ME, [16.06.20 13:31]
Not a problem.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 13:32]
Well i personally feel you have done well so far and you seem like a perfect fit for this position
However, i will need to send your answers to the team for review and consideration. I will get back to you in about 10 – 15 minutes as soon as i get your result, please stay close to your device
ME, [16.06.20 13:32]
Okay. I will remain close.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:10]
Hello there!
ME, [16.06.20 14:10]
Hello.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:18]
Great news already!
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:18]
You have just been given a chance to show your commitment,charisma,diligence to the online team.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:18]
After evaluating your various response, you were able to satisfy about 75% of the requirements of the company, which made you eligible for enrollment into our weekly routine training progra
m. You have just been confirmed qualified for this position
Congratulations!!!
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:18]
You are now offered the job position…you are HIRED!
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:18]
You are welcome to Ripcord Inc!!!
ME, [16.06.20 14:19]
Thank you!
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:19]
I’m so happy for you and i believe the company can trust you and as well count on your devotion?
ME, [16.06.20 14:20]
That is for sure.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:20]
You will be briefed about your new job position soon but in the mean time i need you to IM the following information on Here for verification purpose.
Name :
Address : (PO Box not valid)
City :
State :
Zipcode:
Cell # :
Home# :
E-mail address:
So my secretary can enlist them into the Company’s Register for proper documentation.
ME, [16.06.20 14:24]
Please let me know if any additional information is required.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:25]
Okay seen. Your Primary duties will include: Preparation of Balance sheets (Mini), account balancing, invoicing recording,proper data analysis of sales records and recording pay slips into accounting database.
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.
I believe you can handle the Job duties if you are being trained towards it ?
ME, [16.06.20 14:26]
I can handle the duties described.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:31]
You will be eligible to Benefits after 2months of working with the company. Benefits offered are Health Insurance / Vacations / Bonuses which will be explained more better in your offer letter
You will be undergoing a 5 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 Okay?
ME, [16.06.20 14:32]
Okay.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:34]
You will need some materials/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 names of the software’s you will need to start working with: Intuit QuickBooks Accounting Software,Sage Simply Accounting Accounting Software,Peachtree Complete Accounting Software,AccountEdge Accounting Software for Windows,AccountEdge Accounting Software for Mac,Sage 50 Premium Accounting 2013 (formerly Simply Accounting),Business2Go software,Bookkeeper software,
*Phaseware 0.2
*bpm’online
*ScreenConnect
*AnswerDash
*SupportCenter Plus
*LiveHelpNow SuiteQuickBooks Pro 2012 software,The General Ledger,software,9.5,
*HP spetre 360 Laptop with Retina Display (1.2GHz Dual Core Intel m5, 8GB RAM, 512GB HD, OS X), Bottom Line Accounting software,Balance Sheet Basics software..
ME, [16.06.20 14:38]
Upon obtaining the software required, what is the next onboarding process?
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:38]
The funds for the software will be provided for you by the company via check …You are required to use them as instructed for the software and i will refer you to the vendor you are to purchase them from. As soon as the check is 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
ME, [16.06.20 14:39]
Okay, that will be fine.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:39]
Are you familiar with the above software programs?
ME, [16.06.20 14:39]
I am familiar.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:43]
OK. PLEASE NOTE that All Equipment and software are to be purchased from the company’s accredited vendor.. We have been buying from this Vendor for years now…That’s because all materials will be Customized in your names and the Company Logo and shipped to you via FedEx or USPS.
As soon as the check is issued out to you i will notify you and provide you with the tracking number so you can keep track of it and be on look out for it. Report online as soon as you have it so i can give you further instructions and i will refer you to the vendor you will be purchasing the materials from…Okay
ME, [16.06.20 14:45]
That is fine. I feel more comfortable using a vendor that you are familiar with than locating the required software on my own. Thank you.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:46]
Yes good
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:46]
This Job offers Flexible hours but you are to report online to me by 8am daily Monday to Friday for duties,task,and assignments…
So all we need from you is good work and trust, you will enjoy every moment working with us okay ?
ME, [16.06.20 14:47]
That will be fine. This sounds like a good fit. Thank you for your consideration.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:47]
Do you have any question(s)?
ME, [16.06.20 14:49]
I do not currently have any questions. You have been more than thorough in explaining the details and what is expected. I look forward to the opportunity to showcase my talent and skills.
ME, [16.06.20 14:50]
In the event that I do have a question at a later time, will it be okay for me to contact you directly?
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:50]
Yes please
ME, [16.06.20 14:50]
Thank you. What is the estimated time of arrival?
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:51]
Thursday
ME, [16.06.20 14:51]
Okay. Assume that the vendor information will arrive in addition, correct?
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:52]
You will receive further instructions
ME, [16.06.20 14:53]
Thank you again for your consideration.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:54]
Alright! I believe that will be all for today, you are advised to report online via Telegram 8am your time beginning from tomorrow for update on the check and daily task.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:54]
Once again Congratulations on your new job Position!! we are looking forward to your great commitment, Dedication and Trust. Bye and have a blessed evening! God bless!!!
Ruben Pennington, [16.06.20 14:54]
Good afternoon.
Ruben Pennington, [16.06.20 14:55]
You have a good evening as well.
Brooke Bento, [16.06.20 14:56]
Thank you and please be punctual
ME, [16.06.20 14:56]
I shall.
DURING THIS TIME I DID MY RESEARCH AND REALIZED IT WAS A SCAM BUT WANTED TO SEE WHERE IT WENT FROM HERE…
ME, [17.06.20 07:57]
Good Morning.
Brooke Bento, [17.06.20 08:30]
Good morning and how are you this morning ?
ME, [17.06.20 08:30]
I’m fine thank you.
Brooke Bento, [17.06.20 08:32]
I’m doing great thank you
Brooke Bento, [17.06.20 08:32]
Ple[censored]d online for updates
ME, [17.06.20 08:33]
No problem.
Brooke Bento, [17.06.20 09:58]
I have prepared your hiring documents but i’m yet to get them signed. They will be mailed to you as soon as i get the documents signed.
ME, [17.06.20 10:06]
Okay.
Brooke Bento, [17.06.20 10:07]
I will like you to verify your details because a check for the purchase of your working equipment would be issued to the details
Brooke Bento, [17.06.20 10:07]
Is this correct ?
XXXXXXXX XXXXXXX , [17.06.20 10:07]
That is correct.
Brooke Bento, [17.06.20 10:10]
Okay good. Your details have been confirmed and the check for the purchase of your working materials will be issued and mailed to you today. I will provide you with the tracking number for you to know the estimated time of delivery Okay.
XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX, [17.06.20 10:15]
Thank you.
Brooke Bento, [17.06.20 10:15]
Your employee profile have been created as well and your login to the database established. You will be provided with that during training. Okay?
ME, [17.06.20 10:16]
Okay
Brooke Bento, [17.06.20 10:17]
I would say, with your experience and all, it is really great to have you on this team
ME, [17.06.20 10:25]
Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity.
Brooke Bento, [17.06.20 10:29]
You are welcome! I can not assign any task(s) to you yet so that will be all for today. You are to report online tomorrow 8am your time for more update and for the tracking number to the package that you will be receiving tomorrow…Do enjoy the rest of your day today!
ME, [17.06.20 10:29]
You do the same.
Brooke Bento, [17.06.20 10:34]
Thank you
ME, [18.06.20 08:14]
Good Morning.
Brooke Bento, [18.06.20 08:16]
Good morning and how are you this morning ?
ME, [18.06.20 08:18]
I’m well.
Brooke Bento, [18.06.20 08:18]
Good to know
Brooke Bento, [18.06.20 08:18]
Ple[censored]d online while i contact the DAS for the tracking number to the check mailed to you
ME, [18.06.20 08:19]
No problem.
Brooke Bento, [18.06.20 08:31]
This is the tracking number to the check that was mailed to you XXXXXXXXXXXX you are required to track it on www.fedex.com to know the delivery status.
Track it and let me know the status of the package ok
ME, [18.06.20 08:33]
Scheduled delivery:Thursday 6/18/2020 by 10:30 am
Brooke Bento, [18.06.20 08:34]
Alright…The software are very expensive which is why we decided to send you a check to cover all the cost of your working equipment….I will like you to look out for it and notify me once you receive the package via fedex for instructions ok
ME, [18.06.20 08:35]
okay
ME, [18.06.20 08:36]
Will this require a signature?
Brooke Bento, [18.06.20 08:38]
No
ME, [18.06.20 08:38]
okay
ME, [18.06.20 08:41]
I have received the check but it did not arrive with any instructions or vendor information.
Brooke Bento, [18.06.20 08:42]
Oh okay! I need you to verify the amount on the check.
ME, [18.06.20 08:52]
$8,900
Brooke Bento, [18.06.20 08:54]
Alright. Here’s what you should do, Proceed to your Bank and have the check deposited. Once deposited, funds would be made available for withdrawal (within 24 hours or less) Once the funds are available i will refer you to the vendor you are to purchase your working equipment from to enable you start your training and orientation immediately okay ?
ME, [18.06.20 08:56]
okay. I will let you know when funds are available.
ME, [18.06.20 08:58]
The check arrived from Gibson Truck World in Sanford Florida… May I ask what is their affiliation with your company based in California?
Brooke Bento, [18.06.20 09:03]
Most of our funds are externally outsourced and Gibson Truck is a subsidiary company
ME, [18.06.20 09:04]
Crown Property Investment LLC(the company listed on the check) is as well I assume…
Brooke Bento, [18.06.20 09:05]
Yes
ME, [18.06.20 09:05]
Okay. I will inform you once the funds are available.
Brooke Bento, [18.06.20 09:06]
Alright. You are required to send me a clear picture of the deposit receipt for record purpose okay ?
ME, [18.06.20 09:08]
I have electronically deposited in my account. There are no photos available at this time.
Brooke Bento, [18.06.20 09:09]
Oh okay then
Brooke Bento, [18.06.20 09:09]
That will be all for today! Please report online tomorrow for updates and instructions on how to order for your supplies
ME, [18.06.20 09:09]
Okay. I will be available.
ME, [19.06.20 08:12]
Funds are available.
Brooke Bento, [19.06.20 08:14]
Good morning
Brooke Bento, [19.06.20 08:14]
Okay
Brooke Bento, [19.06.20 08:14]
You will be deducting $200 for your self as that serves you as a sign on bonus ..The reason the company gives all new employees sign on bonus is to motivate them towards commencement.
Brooke Bento, [19.06.20 08:15]
Is that understood ?
ME, [19.06.20 08:15]
Good Morning. Thank you.
Brooke Bento, [19.06.20 08:16]
Ple[censored]d while i contact the DAS for the information of the available vendor so you can order for your supplies
Brooke Bento, [19.06.20 08:42]
I believe you have zelle, venmo and cash app ?
ME, [19.06.20 08:44]
yes.
Brooke Bento, [19.06.20 08:47]
Okay. I will get back to you with further instructions soon
Brooke Bento, [19.06.20 09:07]
Okay. Here is the vendor’s zelle information you will be making the payment to.
Name== Keith Brennan
You are required to transfer the sum of $1000 to the vendor’s zelle and provide me with a screenshot confirmation of the transaction once done, for record purpose okay
Brooke Bento, [19.06.20 09:12]
Once the vendor confirms all the payments, your software will be compiled and installed on a new Hybrid HP Laptop and shipped to you for tomorrow morning delivery by 10:30am via FedEx to enable you commence your training and orientation on Monday okay.
ME, [19.06.20 09:52]
Okay.
Brooke Bento, [19.06.20 10:22]
Do you understand the instruction?
ME, [19.06.20 10:28]
Yes, I understand.
Brooke Bento, [19.06.20 10:56]
You should have completed the first task by now
AT THIS POINT I HAVE CONTACTED THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU TO FILE AN OFFICIAL REPORT