Does this job posting sound like a scam?

CodeBlox

I was filling out the online application when suddenly, they ask for a "Credit Score check". This bit is from the application:

We do require that you submit your credit score (current within 14 days). We can only schedule an interview once you confirm you have one. This measure is taken for security purposes, as all employees will have access to a company card.
We have negotiated with our online partners to provide a FREE trial credit check and report for our applicants.

Mark the check box here to get your credit score (FREE trial for our applicants)


You must print it out and bring it with you to the interview.
Poor credit will have no effect on your eligibility.

I found the job posting on Craiglist here at this link: On Site Problem Solving Specialist

And as you can see, it lacks a description of the job, so I emailed and asked about it, just asked what the job entailed and I did NOT even submit a resume. I'm assuming the response was auto-generated because they claimed to have gotten my resume and application -_- and then told me to submit an application -_- They tell me that they've recieved it and then ask me to submit it again? Right.


Here was my email:

CodeBlox wrote:

My name is Joel Jackson and I've come across your posting on craigslist. I didn't see an actual requirement for the position however, I am seeking an entry level type position and I'm not too sure if thats what this job posting is for. Would you mind telling me some of the preferred duties of the candidate?

and here was the response which isn't consistent with my initial query:

Hi Joel,

Thank you for your interest and your recent resume submission. My name is xxxxxxxx and
I am the Human Resource Manager that is in charge of the hiring process for our company
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. I've look over your application and due to the high amount of
replies that we've gotten regarding our recent classifieds posting, I wanted to contact
you as soon as possible and see if you would be interested in setting up an interview with us.

Before I continue let me tell you some background information about xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx:
We are an established Rental Company that was founded back in 1984 and we've grown immensely
since then. Unlike other rental companies, we hope to foster a fun yet efficient environment
for our employees since we have the firm belief that if we provide our employees with a
welcoming work atmosphere we will see an increased return in productivity. Candidates should
consider themselves self-starters and be able to work efficiently with minimum supervision. Other
skills like great interaction with employees of all levels of the firm, strong communication
skills, organization skills etc. are also valued very highly.

Our company aims to build a strong bond with its employees and therefore we offer benefits
packages for you and your family plus we thrive to pay our employees a higher hourly wage than
any of our competitors. We will be discussing compensation and benefits a little bit more in
detail during our interview when we are in a more private environment instead of public emails.

Now due to our policies I will not be able to schedule an interview with you until you have
filled out one of our online applications which can be found on our company website.
Please visit xxxxxxxxxxxxx and fill out our short application so we can move on
with the interview process. Each applicant is required to have a personal application code
in order to fill the application.

Your code is: xxxxxxxxxxx

Since we have received such a high number of replies to our job posting I will only be able to
hold your application on my desk for 1-2 days more so please do not wait too long to fill out
our online application! I will contact you as soon as I receive your online application!

Now if you have any questions please feel free to contact me!
Hoping to see you here for an interview soon,

[name]
Human Resource Manager
[company name]

Also, one last BIG thing that sticks out to me is this:

This is a secure page.

The page for the application isn't even using HTTPS, just plain ol' HTTP.


The other thing I notice is, as far as contact information goes, there is no addess listed, or a phone number yet they asked me to contact them if I had more questions. Guess the only way would be via email then.
Should I bother with this or leave it alone?

ehnde

Oh it's a scam alright. Glad you caught it! You recognized the telltale signs, and you're 100% right.

Bokeh

Run for the hills. This reeks of scam.

CodeBlox

Man, shame you can't even APPLY for jobs without being cautious. Trust goes both ways and I couldn't even trust this "application process". Thanks for the confirmation!

Bokeh

Ive seen this ad show up in various cities across the US. I'd log back into Craigslist and flag it. Im sure others have applied, and I have a feeling are in for a rude awakening.

Reminded me of an "interview" I went on many years ago after I got out of the military. Ad stated they were looking for those especially with military backgrounds and who knew computers. You had to show up directly at their office to apply.

So I drive there. Long line to get in. Once I get inside, its just a big empty room with four people in suits and one person handing out applications. Before I can get my app, I am called over for the personal interview. They asked about my background, said I was perfect but I needed one more interview "in the next few days." When I asked just what the job entailed, I was told that would be provided to me "in the next few days." These guys were just professional interviewers, weeding out the chaff I was told. They kept asking people to make sure they filled out their application fully. Even had someone at the door stopping people to see if they filled everything out.

I bailed, and when I got stopped at the door, I just brushed the guy aside. He tried to stop me and I kept on going.

I drove back by the place the next day, it was a ghost town, and a rental sign was on the window. Some fly by night scam I am sure.

CodeBlox

Haha! Do they really get so many applicants that fall for this type of thing? And how beneficial is it to run this kind of scam?