Quite a few scammers have texted me with alleged remote job offers lately. For clarity, I’m not even looking for a job, remote or otherwise. They appear to target individuals at random. The most recent one contacted me on WhatsApp after finding my number on a tour site. I was 99% sure it was a scam before he even delivered his pitch, from the first corny message. It was sent by the US number +1 (539) 260-2517. The account had a profile picture of two little boys playing in a skatepark; the sort used by a good, trustful family man. Here I share our conversation.
Hi there! This is Tom. I got your number through a colleague (Olvia) who mentioned you might be available as a tour guide. Unfortunately, my colleague reached out a bit late, as we had already finalized arrangements with another guide, including the pricing. I’m sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
Hi Tom! No inconvenience. Wish you a great time!
I am so sorry
Do you do this full-time?
Now I get 99.9% sure it’s a scam
No, on occasion.
Well, I am asking if you’re doing this full-time because a friend of mine mentioned a remote role vacancy that might interest you. If you’re open to it, I’d be happy to connect you two. It would allow you to work remotely while still having time for your tours and hobby! Sorry for the tour guide position.
And finally 100%. I wanted to answer that I’m not interested because I already have plenty of free time; so much free time that I can waste it fooling with scammers on the Internet. But I was curious to find out where exactly this is going.
Wow. Thanks a lot for the offer, Tom! That’s very kind of you. I’d love to have more time for my hobbies. You know I recently picked up origami and I wish I could have time to make that alien spaceship I was checking out on YouTube the other day. I’d sure be open to the role. But what exactly is a remote job? Does it mean that I have to go very far to work? How far are we talking?
Hi Dimitrios, I hope you’re doing great! I apologize for not getting back to you sooner; things have been quite busy on my end. Regarding the job, you don’t have to relocate—it’s remote, so you can work from anywhere that’s convenient for you. By the way, I think it’s amazing that you’ve picked up origami! Having a creative outlet like that is so rewarding, and I’m sure you’ll nail that alien spaceship project. Remote work could give you even more time for your hobbies. 😊
Definitely AI
Charlotte +1 (503) 936-1249
Tell her that Tom recommended you.
This new number had a profile picture of a girl who must be so busy with business and stuff that she walks down the street with her face buried in her phone. I reached out as Tom urged me to.
Hi Charlotte! What’s up? I got your number from Tom. He said you have a well-paying remote role vacancy that I’m the perfect person for. How soon could I start?
Hi there!
Can I send you the job details in 15 minutes from now?
Sure. You can send them whenever. The sooner the better.
The company you’ll be working for is called WebFX. We specialize in helping merchants enhance the online visibility of their products, ensuring they rank higher on listings. This increased visibility makes it more likely for customers to choose their products over competitors’ offerings.
I searched for it. It appears to be a legit Pensylvania-based company doing digital marketing.
Sounds good. And what’s my salary?
Your role is straightforward. The system handles 90% of the work, and your task is simply to operate it. I’ll provide all the training you need to get started. The working hours are flexible, with a window from 11 AM to 11 PM EST—you can choose the time that suits you best. Do you have any questions so far? If not, I’ll move on to explaining the salary package.
Hi Charlotte! All good. You explained everything very clearly. System handles, I operate. No questions. Yes, please, move on. I want to know about the money.
Great!
Our salary package is structured to reward consistent effort and commitment. For instance, you’ll earn $100 after working two consecutive days, and $500 for completing five consecutive workdays. Additionally, we offer daily commissions ranging from $30 to $120. (Not fixed)
Alright. Sounds decent for a start. When do I begin? And how often do I get paid? Could I maybe get an advance?
Profits can be withdrawn daily, but the salary is paid twice a week. You’ll receive a two-day salary after completing assignments for two consecutive days, and a five-day salary after completing assignments for five consecutive days. This ensures consistent rewards for your efforts.
I see. What now then? Can I start working right away?
There is a training that helps you to understand more about the job. It takes around 45 minutes to complete.
Ok. When can we do it and how?
Dear Charlotte, any news about the training? When do we start with it?
Hi!
I can get you started in 30 minutes if that’s okay.
Sure! But how do we do it?
I’m ready. Are you?
Let’s do it.
This is the workbench link. https://webfx.live/
I didn’t click it. Probably a clone of WebFX’s website asking you for credit card details or whatever.
Use this access code to register an account. CJ0FIFXL
Let me know when you are done registering.
Sorry I was late, Charlotte. I had a shower and then sat down to eat and I forgot. I’m ready for the training now. But before I register and I commit, one last thing. You know I was just talking to my friend Takis, who’s into unionism and labor rights and stuff and knows a lot about this shit, and he suggested that you might be trying to rip me off. Come to think of it, I believe he’s got a point. I think you will agree that the salary you offer is a bit too low for an employee with my qualifications and work ethics. What do you say about a 50% increase?
How’s it going, Charlotte? So? Have you made up your mind yet? FIY, I also got another high-paying remote job proposal that I have to consider. But because I like you, and I frankly believe in your mission, I’m ready to accept a 30% increase. What do you think?
I didn’t hear from her again. I guess I’m fired.