Scam Type
Fake Check/Money Order Scam
Business Name Used
LSB Industries Inc.
Date Reported
Oct 24, 2022
Victim Postal Code
68070
Total Dollars Lost
3850
Scam Description
I wanted to contact you to inform you of a job scam I was lured into. I found the job listed under the jobs tab on LinkedIn. It appeared when I searched for “remote job data entry.” The company is “LSB Industries Inc.” The company name, address and logo were used as part of the job posting.
I applied and was emailed and offered an interview. The interview was conducted via Skype messaging only, leading to me being offered the job that day. I was then emailed a contract and w-4 form to which I completed, signed and returned, with a copy of my drivers license front/back pictured. The scammer then had access to my social security number, knows my address, etc. The contract was very thorough and explained how I would be sent working materials/equipment/software/etc. I was told I would be in contact with a supervisor. The dates of me being sent equipment or getting to interact with the supervisor continued to be pushed back multiple times.
The Skype messaging continued and the ‘hiring manager’ instructed me how to use multiple electronic checks to deposit to my bank and then send money to ‘vendors’ via Apple Pay and Zelle. This continued for 2 weeks. I was told the money sent was being used to purchase software and equipment for my home office.
Once a check bounced and the amount was withdrawn from my account, the ‘hiring manager’ stopped talking with me via Skype.
I have taken all information, emails, Skype messages, and contract/W4 to the police and filed a fraud report. The police instructed me to contact IRS, BBB, Linkedin and LSB Industries.
