Markline

Raquel –

I am the owner and President of Markline Technologies, Inc., located in Overland Park, KS. We employ 4 individuals. We sell electronic components to manufacturers and do not employ part-time workers. We have never used Upwork services and do not plan to do so.

The SCAM started last summer with ads in Upwork and Indeed. Indeed did a very good job of shutting down this activity within a few days. Upwork however has not been able to do so. We have received over 50 phone calls from “prospective employees”, and I have sent Upwork volumes of text representing communications between these people and the scammers. Still, Upwork has been unable to stop the fraud. Some people have lost money, but hopefully most realized the employment offer was not real, or have called our office before it was too late.

If criminals are able to take advantage of a small Kansas-based company, they are most likely doing the same with many more. Please communicate with with caution, and keep in mind old words of wisdom…”If something appears to be to good to be true, it probably is”.

Here’s how the scam works. An Upwork candidate either responds to a posted job, or the scammer contacts the candidate. The candidate is told their qualifications are excellent, and is then asked to participate in an interview via Google Hangouts. All candidates pass the interview with an offer of excellent pay and benefits. They are then told a check will be emailed (generally around $2500.00), to be deposited in their account. Special hardware and software is needed and the advance is intended to be used to purchase such. The candidate is told to print both sides of the check, take a picture with their camera, and electronically deposit it into their account.

Well, the check does not clear. The candidate contacts the scammers (via Gmail email addresses, not Markline.com email) and are told with great apologies that this has never happened before. A new check will be prepared and sent. However, there are many others wanting this job, and it needs to be filled quickly. They will hold the position (remember, excellent pay and benefits) if the candidate will cover the costs of the equipment with their credit card. From this point, the candidates either back off, or offer their credit card. In either case, contact with the scammers cease.

Please call with questions and concerns.
913-681-8880

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Darrell –

Victim Location 53211

Type of a scam Employment

This company contacted me on a freelance work site called Upwork.com. They used the following message:

Our Recruiting Team viewed your resume and we are pleased with your qualifications.

Your resume was shortlisted for a short online interview with the Hiring manager, Mr. Dave Detke via Google Hanqout with the following address ([email protected]). Also you can send a message to his email to work out your best time for the interview, he will be online waiting for you ASAP to conduct the interview for you. The pay rate is $27 per hour and you get paid $18 for training, Also leave your digits and email behind.

Your verification code is HRP008 this would serve as your identification number .flexible….

Interview Scheduled : Online.

Time: ASAP

Venue: Online Google Hanqouts

Training is Available

Your swift and timely response matters a lot in this beneficial position.

We look forward to having you on the team.

HR Department

Markline Technologies

I was then "interviewed" on Google hangouts via the chat function. They did not background check, no reference check, didn’t even ask me job-specific questions during the interview. They said I was hired and to start immediately. They proceeded to send me a check via email for $2500 that they wanted deposited immediately so that I could go buy Amazon gift cards "for my job-related duties", and then send them pictures of the gift cards with the verification code scratched off, presumably so they could use them. They literally sent me this check without me signing a contract or receiving any information from human resources.

Charlotte –

Actually, the folks who make contact here are not from Markline, but are using Markline’s name in their scam. I received a similar message via Upwork, but figured out it was a scam.

I spoke with Markline earlier today and confirmed that these folks are scammers. Apparently, they’ve been operating on both Indeed and Upwork.