A dangerous new job scam has recently come to light involving fraudsters impersonating the legitimate company Brent Johnson Design. Scammers are sending fake job offer emails and using messaging apps to try to steal personal information and money from unsuspecting victims.
How the Brent Johnson Design Job Scam Works
The scammers are posing as recruiters and hiring managers for Brent Johnson Design, a real Museum Planning and Graphic design company based in Boston. The impersonators are posting fake job listings on sites like Indeed and then contacting applicants with offers for remote positions. After a brief conversation, they claim to hire the targets and ask for banking details to set up direct deposit.
Many users share their experiences receiving emails and messages from fake names such as, Tiyonna Gaynell, Laura Ghandi, Kyra Brooks and others about fake job opportunities.
Some victims have reported receiving altered checks, which the scammers tell them to quickly deposit before asking them to withdraw cash or purchase cryptocurrency. This leaves them liable when the checks inevitably bounce.
Spotting Red Flags in the Fake Brent Johnson Design’s Job Offers
While cleverly impersonating a real company, there are ways to identify these fraudulent job offers:
- Communication insisting on using apps like Signal rather than email or phone
- Vague or inconsistent job titles and duties
- Unreasonably high salaries for entry-level roles
- Offers without formal interviews about skills and experience
- Pushy demands for personal details like bank account numbers
If anything seems suspicious, research Brent Johnson Design’s online website and contact them directly before providing the scammers with any information.
What to Do if You Get a Fake Job Interview Email
If you receive a job offer purporting to be from Brent Johnson Design that aligns with the known tactics of this scam, take the following steps:
- Do not respond to the email or message
- Report the scam job listing to the site it was posted on
- Alert Brent Johnson Design about the fraud attempt
- File detailed complaints with relevant authorities
- Carefully check bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity
How to Spot Job Recruitment Scams in General
While this specific ploy centers around Brent Johnson Design, fake job listings and offers are rampant today. Keep the following tips in mind during any job search:
- Research companies before applying and ask detailed questions if contacted
- Verify recruiters’ identities and affiliations on professional networks
- Watch for red flags like required upfront fees or suspicious interviews
- If offered a job instantly, thoroughly vet the role first
By spotting questionable factors that signal fraudulent schemes, potential victims can avoid falling into traps set by scam recruiters falsely claiming to represent companies.
What to do if Scammed by the Fake Brent Johnson Design
If you supplied personal or banking details to scammers under the impression of legitimate employment and suffered financial losses, promptly take these steps:
- Contact your bank and creditors to report unauthorized charges
- File a report with local law enforcement detailing the fraud
- Report the job scam to the FTC and your state attorney general
- Consult an attorney to pursue civil action to recover damages
- Enlist an identity protection service to monitor for misuse of your information
Do not let embarrassment or fear stop you from seeking help if scammed by dubious recruiters misrepresenting employers like Brent Johnson Design. There are resources available to report them so that others do not fall victim to these callous financial schemes.
Protecting Yourself from Job Search Scams
As recruitment frauds grow more sophisticated, jobseekers must be vigilant and skeptical during hiring processes. To fend off cons surrounding fake job offers:
- Verify job listings by contacting the actual company
- Research recruiters and hiring managers prior to interviews
- Never provide banking, credit or personal details upfront
- Watch for pushy interview tactics demanding quick decisions
With more awareness of common tactics scammers use to snare targets for financial gain, those looking for employment can job hunt safely. Trust your instincts during job searches and do not let excitement over offers cloud judgment – doing so can prevent disastrous consequences at the hands of deceitful fraudsters.
