Sonova Holding AG

Victim Location 20011

Type of a scam Employment

On Oct. 19, 2017, I received a text from the phone number (217) 882-6462. This person claimed to be Gina McCLowry, and identified themselves as the Talent Acquisition Specialist for Sonova Holding AG. This person does have a LinkedIn profile (but it may be a rouse). They are using the name of Sonova Holding AG, which is a legitimate firm that makes hearing aid devices.

They scheduled an interview via Google Hangouts; also the chat feature was used, not the video feature. Some claiming to be Damien Ortega, used the email address [email protected] commenced with the interview; he asked typical behavioral interview questions. He told me a list of positions available, including Administrative Assistant roles; he did not ever show me a written job posting (red flag). He told me that the company would pay me $25/hour, and that I would work remotely while receiving a paycheck each week. The following day, he offered me a position, and was hasty for me to accept it.

The following day, "Damien Ortega" offered me the position. He said that I would receive a check; and the the funds would be used to purchase computer software, from a vendor (yet unknown). He asked me to identify my bank.The company would supply a PC (that I would not have to pay for).

On Oct 21, I received a check via Fedex. The cashier’s check, in the amount of $3,450.50,was from a "Monica Camacho" from a bank in Phoenix Arizona. It was enclosed with a letter from another unknown person "Michael Rodgers"(Michael[email protected]), with instructions for depositing the check ,and keeping track of how the funds were used .Damin Ortega provided me with the FedEx tracking number. When I confirmed that I had received the check, I was asked to deposit the check that day (Saturday). I deposited the check. Later, I confirmed that I had deposited check; "Ortega" mentioned that $450 would be available, but the full amount of the check would not be available util Monday (the next business day).

I contacted "Damien Ortega" on Oct. 23, 2017. He requested that I go to the nearest Walmart to remit funds to purchase software from a vendor. I went to the Walmart, they required that I complete a form. I noticed the warnings regarding scams and fraud; then I called the Walmart fraud alert line. They advised me not to send money. I contacted "Damien Ortega" via Google Hangouts, and informed him that I suspected fraud, and that I would wait until the check had been verified by my bank. I went to my bank to discuss the situation; the Banker said that this type of scam is common. The bank will be able to verify if the check was legitimate or not. "Damien Ortega", continued to dissuade me from having any concerns regarding this when I directly confronted him.

Victim Location 27262

Total money lost $4,900

Type of a scam Employment

I was first contacted by text message by the ‘recruiter’ who wanted to set me up with an interview with the ‘hiring manager’, Mr Phil Featherstone, for a work from home position for Customer Care. the job description and company information matched up with the website, as well as the USA location I would report to [in IL]. I went through the internet interview process and was offered the 35-40 hour/week job, which was to pay $25/hr after $18/hr training. They would provide laptop & software. I had been working less than 40 hours at $11 so I was anxious for the change. I received a check and thought I would be purchasing my needed materials with it. I deposited the check and 2 days later withdrew the funds and supplied to the vendor for the materials [should have been my first clue]. the next day I was requested to send more money [my next clue], at which time I found the initial check had been returned to my bank as ‘fictitious’. I have the name, city, state and account number of who received my money. I received a letter of employment.