Scam Type
Employment Scam
Business Name Used
Eximis Surgical Inc. – Imposter
Date Reported
August 21, 2023
Postal Code
None
Total Dollars Lost
$ 0
Scam Description
EXIMIS SURGICAL INC
FIRST CONTACT: PILGRIM BAKER VIA TEXT MESSAGE
Thursday, 07/06/2023 16:31
I received a text from phone number 339-675-1462.
Text reads word for word:
“Hello, This is Pilgrim Baker, You have received this text regarding the Work From Home Data Entry Clerk. You are required to download and set up Microsoft Teams Account and if you have one already, use it. Add Mrs. Tina Ballard the Hiring Manager and IM her Via Microsoft Teams with this link (https://teams.live.com/l/invite/FBA7l5VbbqFFUyz7gl) or you can add her using her email, (Tinaballard01@outlook.com) connect with her for your interview. Here is your Verification/Hiring Code:
(MDRA-TEL2935LLC61-3)
Name: Pilgrim Baker
Good luck.”
*I didn’t see the text until 17:03. I responded with a Thank you.
I then proceeded to download and install Microsoft Teams on my laptop. I finished the download and set up at 17:18. I immediately followed Pilgrim’s instructions and added Tina Ballard.*
SECOND CONTACT: TINA BALLARD VIA MICROSOFT TEAMS CHAT
THURSDAY, 07/06/2023 18:00
Exactly at 18:00, I messaged Tina the following:
“Me, 1800: Hello, my name is ___. I received a text from Pilgrim Baker instructing me to contact you via your link thru Microsoft Teams for an interview. I am inquiring about the Remote Data Entry Clerk position.
Tina Ballard, 1801: Welcome to your job briefing session with Eximis Surgica Llc. As we proceed with the briefing and interview, You will learn more about the opening position. I believe you are ready to proceed. Right? if yes, provide me with your verification code?
Me, 18:02: MDRA-TEL2935LLC61-3
Tina Ballard, 18:02: Hi, Before we proceed further I would love to know more about you. That would help where to categorize you and how best to interview you. I am Tina Ballard. The personnel manager of © Eximis Surgical. Please introduce yourself and indicate your location.
Me, 18:03: Hello again, my name is ___. I am currently residing in ___.
Tina Ballard, 18:04: Computer Requirements: Operating System (OS): Windows 8.1 or Windows 10; RAM: 3GB or higher; Webcam specifically for your intended work computer (Recommend ensuring Skype or Zoom-compatible); A quiet, distraction-free environment for the duration of your shift minus any breaks
Internet Requirements: Internet speeds of at least 2mbps download, 1mbps upload. To ensure a reliable internet connection (there is an internet speed test linked in the application); Skills & Other Requirements: Must be fluent in communication and English; Must have clear criminal charges; Must be at least 40wpm average; Must be above 18 years; Proven experience as data entry clerk; Fast typing skills; Knowledge of touch typing system is strongly preferred; Excellent knowledge of word processing tools and spreadsheets (MS Office Word, Excel etc.) I believe you have no issues here, right?
Me, 18:05: So far so good
Tina Ballard, 18:05: About us: Eximis Surgical Inc., develops innovative technologies for the removal of large specimens during minimally invasive procedures. The company is in the pre-market phase and is actively working towards FDA submission for its first device in the platform. Eximis Surgical’ proprietary technology is designed to provide surgeons a fully automated and contained system that leverages controlled RF energy delivery to segment large tissue specimens for removal through a small incision. You can visit the company at https://www.eximissurgical.com/ for more information. You may review the website while we proceed. Okay? This opportunity enables you to work from home for the main time until we set up a new office closer to your location, the pay is $28.65 per hour during training and $27.62 per hour after training. you will receive payment bi-weekly via direct deposit or paycheck and the maximum amount of time you can work a week is 45 hours. if you are employed you are going to be working as a full-time employee. I believe working from home will not be a problem for you, right? Welcome to Eximis Surgical www.eximissurgical.com
Me, 18:06: All is correct
Tina Ballard, 18:07: Data Entry Main duties and responsibilities are to enter data into computers. This data may be text and numbers. It may relate to customers, suppliers, and manufacturers and may be scientific, technical, financial, or sales-based. The computer system dictates the way the worker enters the data. The system requires data to be in a specific format so it can produce material such as invoices and analytical reports. Can you handle it ?
Me, 18:07: Yes
Tina Ballard, 18:08: You will undergo training from your training supervisor, The first phase of your training will be centered on your mini-office setup and handling of tasks/assignments which will be done intermittently. In the second phase, trainees will imbibe a direct-stringent approach to getting themselves acquainted with their office equipment (software & hardware) and the company’s payroll system. Whether or not you have an assignment or task to carry out, you will be paid $28.65/hr for 6-8 hours (Mon-Fri) as long as you are online during the stated training hours. “The primary reason behind your salary is being online during work hours”. Note: The company handle all the fee for the working materials/software. Please answer the following questions as accurately as possible. Once done answering all the questions provided below indicate “DONE”.
Tina Ballard, 1808: Have you ever worked from home or online before? How many hours do you intend to dedicate to this job position daily? How many years of experience do you have in Customer Support/Administrative/Virtual Assistant? How many years of experience do you have in auditing reports? How many years of experience do you have in sorting and filing documentation?
Me, 18:14: Yes, I have worked from home before. I intend to dedicate a minimum of 8 to 9 hours per day. I have 26 years of Customer Support, Administrative, and sorting and filing documentation. I have 3 years of auditing reports.
Me, 18:14: Done
Tina Ballard, 18:15: Do you have a computer and a printer? Are you currently employed? 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, 18:18: I have a laptop and HP printer (I just need ink and printer paper) and I am a self-employed Independent Contractor. My clerical speed is 45wpm. I have 20 years of Microsoft Word and Excel. My highest educational diploma is a high school degree. I graduated May 26, 1999.
Me, 18:18: Done
Tina Ballard, 18:19: How long do you expect to remain employed with this company if hired? What kind of supervision have you had in the past and how have you responded to it?
Me, 18:23: If hired, I expect to remain employed with this company from the date I’m hired to retirement, hopefully. I am looking for a permanent employer. I’ve had many types of supervision in the past. My supervisors enjoyed having me on their teams since I was always quite dedicated, thorough and efficient. For a couple of employers, I was either a Shift Leader or Assistant Manager and I also handled those responsibilities pretty well. As for the employer I worked for from home at one point, supervision was a non-issue. We trained for 5 weeks and it was all done thru Teams.
Me, 18:23: Done
Tina Ballard, 18:24: Sounds impressive
Tina Ballard, 18:24: What wireless carrier/ Internet provider do you use? ï How would you like to be Paid? Weekly Or Bi-Weekly? ï What means of payment do you prefer? Direct deposit, Check, Wire Transfer? ï What Bank Do you Operate with to see if it tallies with the company’s official salary payment account?
Me, 18:24: Thank you
Me, 18:27: I have benefits thru the Affordable Connectivity Program with Walmart Family Mobile as my wireless provider and Spectrum is my internet provider. I would much prefer to be paid weekly, if possible, via Direct Deposit. I currently bank with Varo and Chime.
Me, 18:27: Done
Tina Ballard, 18:28: What other bank do you operate with ?
Me, 18:29: I only have pre-paid cards as my other choices. Although, I may still have an account open thru Axos Bank. I will have to verify that.
Tina Ballard, 18:29: Well, you have done well so far and you seem like a perfect fit for this position. I need you to hold on online while I forward our conversation to my superiors for review and consideration. You are needed to remain online and stay close to your Signal inastant/Chat and i will get back to you in the next 20-25mins or sooner. Understood?’
Me, 18:29: Yes, thank you
Tina Ballard, 18:51: I just received a response from my superiors, are you ready for the company decision regarding our interview
Me, 18:51: Yes Please
Tina Ballard, 18:52: Congratulations and a warm welcome from the whole team here at (Eximis Surgical). We are always working to build a strong, passionate, and communicative team, and we believe that you’ll fit right in with us. You scored 7.5 out of a possible 10. You have just been confirmed qualified for this position. You are now given a chance to show your Commitment, Charisma, and Diligence and become a Productive employee. I believe the company can count on your devotion and you will be a good resource to the company. Right?
Me, 18:52: Thank you so very much!
Tina Ballard, 18:52: Sounds good. This means as soon as your working equipment is available, My superiors will reach you in person along with your Position offer documents and your working papers. Also, they will put you through our company guidelines under US Human Resources Laws and Regulations. You would be eligible for Benefits after 60days of working with the company. CONGRATULATION
Me, 18:54: Thank you! Should I be expecting a phone call, text or email or all of the above?
Tina Ballard, 18:54: You are advised to Add Whitten Cardens your supervisor 9am tomorrow morning using Skype, Here is the information You need While adding (live:.cid.e6e801ee6806f5c) You are to Email me or chat me up on here once you add him tomorrow he will be in charge of your duties is that clear? Explain to me what you understand in the last paragraph.
Me, 18:56: I will need to create a Skype account then? Once an account is created, I will add Whitten Cardens who is my supervisor prior to 9am tomorrow morning. Once he’s been added, I will email or chat you.
[Thursday 6:57 PM] Tina Ballard: Correct.. In the meantime, I need you to provide the Admin with the following information to enable the company’s secretary’s department to put you in to register. Full names, state, city, address, zip code, Email address, and cell #, Note you are to email this information to hr@eximissurgical.net… Message me back once you are done with that. Thank you and congratulations
[Thursday 6:57 PM] Me: Thank you, and I will get back to you as soon as I’ve emailed HR.
[Thursday 6:58 PM] Tina Ballard: Alright standing by
[Thursday 7:09 PM] Me: I have emailed HR. I also have a question. Do I need to see about opening an account with a different bank? ”
FRIDAY, 07/07/2023
[Friday 2:32 AM] “Tina Ballard: So my dear i will say this is the end of this interview conversation. Make sure you are prompt online 9am EST tomorrow to chat with your training supervisor, working with you will be our pleasure…. Thank you and I hope you will be a good resource to the company…
[Friday 7:56 AM] Me: Tina, I am not familiar with Skype. How do I go about adding someone to chat?
[Friday 7:58 AM] Me: nevermind, I figured it out!! Thank you
[Friday 7:59 AM] Me: ok, I have added Whitten Cardenas and messaged him as well
[Friday 8:04 AM] Tina Ballard: Chat with him now his online
[Friday 8:05 AM] Me: yes, speaking with him now”
SUNDAY, 07/08/2023
[Sunday 10:10 AM] “Me: Hi Tina. I had a couple of questions and I’ve been asking then to Whitten but I think he’s (or she’s) been busy? I needed to know if the set hours stated in my offer letter were CST or EST time? The letter just says 8a-2p m-f and 9a-12p sat. I didn’t wanna be too early or late for work in the morning or if Whitten even wants me to log on. We just had a very brief conversation about the background check and then he asked me to hold online and never returned to me.”
*I NEVER RECEIVED ANY TYPE OF RESPONSE FROM TINA BUT TEAMS SHOWS SHE’S BEEN ACTIVELY ONLINE*
THIRD CONTACT: WHITTEN CARDENAS VIA SKYPE CHAT
Friday, 07/07/2023 at 08:00 AM,
I downloaded and installed Skype on my laptop. I then messaged Whitten Cardenas the following:
FRIDAY, 07/07/2023
“Me, 7:59 AM Hello, my name is ___. I’m your new hire as of yesterday evening. How are you this morning?
whitten, 8:03 AM Hi, how are you doing today ?
Me, 8:04 AM Doing well, thank you for asking.
whitten, 8:04 AM I am doing well, I am Mr. Whitten Cardenas your training supervisor and Software engineer at Eximis Surgical LLC Software engineer with a special love for frontend, UI/UX, and the tech world. Background in political science/international relations from my previous life as an undergrad, graduating with a Masters’s in CS from Northeastern University Summer of 2017
Me, 8:05 AM Nice to meet you….
Me, 8:07 AM I am currently a self-employed Independent Contractor. I deliver for Favor, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Instacart. I also do some auditing and inventory control for Survey.com. Then during my off-times, I am earning my Bachelor’s in Behavioral and Social Psychology at UAGC”
*AT THIS POINT, WHITTEN MENTIONED SOMETHING ABOUT A CHECK BUT WHATEVER HE SAID, I WASN’T ABLE TO READ THOROUGHLY BEFORE IT DISAPPEARED FROM THE CHAT. ONE OF THE OPTIONS WHEN YOU RIGHT-CLICK ON A PARTICULAR MESSAGE IS TO REMOVE IT. I NEVER ASKED HIM ABOUT IT WHEN I FIRST REALIZED WHATEVER HE SAID WAS MISSING.*
“Me, 8:14 AM My check?
Me, 8:15 AM Sorry, no further details passed me adding you to my Skype was addressed.
whitten, 8:15 AM I have the employment letter now, It has been sent to my email account, What email do you want me to send it to ?
Me, 8:16 AM mailto:___. Thank you
whitten, 8:32 AM Sent got it
whitten, 8:32 AM Check your junk box because its a large document
Me, 8:32 AM yes
Me, 8:32 AM i got it
whitten, 8:32 AM You are to print, fill, sign, scan and send it back to my email address so I can have it forwarded to the company head department…Also, Let me know once you are done with that. You can indicate the hours you want to work at the right top corner of the letter because this is also flexible.
Me, 8:35 AM Is it possible to use an app like Adobe Fill & Sign to complete the paperwork and sign it? Or it has to be an actual signature? Only asking because I do not have a vehicle to get to a place where they’ll print something for me for a fee
whitten, 8:36 AM Alright, you can proceed using Docu Sign
Me, 8:36 AM Thank you
whitten, 8:36 AM How long will it take you to get this done and get back to me ?
Me, 8:37 AM I should have it back to you well before the hour is up….that ok?
whitten, 8:37 AM Alright, let me know once you have them sent back so we can proceed
Me, 8:37 AM Yes I will. Thank you
Me, 9:47 AM I’m almost done completing the paperwork. Just letting you know I’m still working on them
whitten, 9:53 AM Alright
Me, 11:15 AM What is your email address so I can send it back to you….or do I send it to mailto:hr@eximissurgical.net?
whitten, 11:15 AM Yes
Me, 11:17 AM done
whitten, 11:21 AM Alright, hold
Me, 2:03 PM It’s 14:00. Is my day over or am I still waiting for something?
Me, 2:03 PM I don’t want to log off of my computer and get in trouble is all
whitten, 2:04 PM Chat with me 8am tomorrow, for more information
Me, 2:04 PM Sounds good, tty tomorrow. Thank you
Me, 2:05 PM Oh! You’re EST correct? So your 8am will be my 7am?
whitten, 2:05 PM Yes ‘
Me, 2:07 PM ok, have a good rest of your day!”
SATURDAY, 07/08/2023
“Me, 7:04 AM Good morning
Me, 7:39 AM I’ll check back at 8am
Me, 8:04 AM Hello
whitten, 8:06 AM Good morning how are you doing today?
Me, 8:07 AM I’m good. Thank you. Yourself?
whitten, 8:07 AM We would start with the background check now, And we do our background check with ID.me, do you have an account with them?
whitten, 8:08 AM Am doing good thanks for asking
Me, 8:08 AM I believe so
whitten, 8:08 AM What was it used for and when did you make use of it ?
Me, 8:09 AM I created it as a way for me to log into ssa.gov
Me, 8:09 AM I created it about maybe 2 years ago
whitten, 8:14 AM Oh okay kindly hold online
Me, 8:14 AM ok
Me, 1:43 PM At what time will I be alright to log off?
Me, 2:55 PM Question, Tina mentioned something about my working equipment becoming available as well as her superiors contacting me to go through the company’s guidelines under US Human Resources Laws and Regulations. When should I be expecting the equipment?
Me, 3:28 PM I have yet another question about work hours.”
SUNDAY, 07/09/2023
“Me, 8:29 AM Are the hours set in CST OR EST? I didn’t want to assume and be too early or late.”
MONDAY, 07/10/2023
“Me, 7:00 AM Good morning
Me, 8:00 AM Hope you had a good weekend
whitten, 8:12 AM Good morning how are you doing today?
whitten, 8:12 AM Kindly hold online
whitten, 8:12 AM Yes and you
Me, 8:12 AM it was good, thank you
Me, 8:17 AM Did you receive my previous questions by chance?
whitten, 8:30 AM Question, Tina mentioned something about my working equipment becoming available as well as her superiors contacting me to go through the company’s guidelines under US Human Resources Laws and Regulations. When should I be expecting the equipment? You should get it anytime next week
Me, 8:31 AM And is that when my timeclock starts officially? I like to keep record of my dates and times.
Me, 8:31 AM I wasn’t sure when my actual start date was or is going to be
whitten, 10:17 AM It started today, I am doing the timing on here until you receive the software to do it yourself
Me, 10:23 AM oh i see. So, is it safe to assume that according to the employment letter, it’s states my work hours would be Monday thru Friday 8am to 2p and Saturdays 9a to 12p. Does that mean I should go by EST time and my actual hours are 7a to 1p and 8a to 11a?
whitten, 1:44 PM Yes, that is fine
Me, 1:44 PM and when should I be expecting my first pay to come thru?
whitten, 1:45 PM Next week friday
Me, 1:45 PM the 21st?
whitten, 1:46 PM Yes
whitten, 1:46 PM Alright, We would start with the background check now, And we do our background check with ID.me, do you have an account with them?
Me, 1:47 PM Yes I do. I created it about two years ago as a way for me to log into ssa.gov
whitten, 1:51 PM Alright, Send the email and password for it, so background check can be added to it
Me, 1:54 PM they don’t conduct background checks
whitten, 1:54 PM I mean Id.me
Me, 1:56 PM I’m sorry, Is there anyway I could add it myself cause I don’t give my logins and passwords out.
whitten, 1:58 PM So you dont trust us ?
Me, 2:00 PM Well I trust ya’ll as a company that will pay my salary but I don’t know each person individually. I’m sorry. I’ve been scammed and deceived from people and companies pretending to give me a job. I don’t mean to offend.
Me, 2:01 PM I’ve just never been asked by a legit employer for me to supply them with a login ort pw
whitten, 2:02 PM We have been doing this for 2 years now with no issue
Me, 2:02 PM alright, let me get that info for you”
*AT THIS POINT, I WANTED TO FOLLOW MY GUT BUT I’M A PERSON FULL OF HOPE AND DESPERATE FOR WORK. I WENT AHEAD AND PROVIDED THE INFO BUT IMMEDIATELY LOGGED INTO MY IDME ACCT AND CHANGED MY PW*
“Me, 2:06 PM login:___ pw:___
whitten, 2:06 PM Kindly hold
whitten, 2:17 PM You will receive a confirmation of your code on your phone, Send it to me once you receive it, Note: if anyone asks you for this code in the future don’t ever provide it to anyone because it carries your identification and information”
*I PRETENDED TO BE HAVING AN ISSUE RECEIVING THE AUTHENTICATION CODE*
“Me, 2:18 PM ok, I’m still waiting to receive something
whitten, 2:21 PM Got it ?
Me, 2:21 PM not yet
whitten, 2:22 PM Enter the code we sent to (**) **-*217
Me, 2:28 PM i’m still not receiving a code
Me, 2:34 PM could you try sending it again please
whitten, 2:39 PM Okay
whitten, 2:41 PM Check once again
Me, 2:41 PM 342232
Me, 2:55 PM were you able to access it?”
*WHITTEN NEVER RESPONDED. I CHECKED MY ACCOUNT REPEATEDLY BUT THERE WAS NO RECORD OF ANYONE ELSE EVER TRYING TO LOG IN*
“Me, 3:51 PM I’m clocking out at 4pm CST”
TUESDAY, 07/11/2023
“Me, 7:23 AM Good morning
Me, 7:35 AM Were you able to get into my ID.me account?
whitten, 9:43 AM No, Hold
Me, 3:04 PM I’m logging off. Tty tomorrow morning. Have a good day!”
*AFTER I LOGGED OFF, I VISITED THE BBB WEBSITE AND SEARCHED FOR EXIMIS SURGICAL LLC. SURE ENOUGH, THERE HAD BEEN OTHERS LIKE ME WHO HAD REPORTED VERY SIMILAR SITUATIONS. I NEVER “CLOCKED BACK IN”*