do you think this is a scam or dangerous?

[DiderotsGhost]

Originally Posted by ApostolicFlightAttendant

Some identity thieves post fake job ads on job boards with the aim of stealing identities by obtaining personal information -- a technique called "phishing." Phishers pose as a trustworthy person or business to acquire sensitive information, such as passwords and credit-card numbers.They may email job hunters after obtaining their contact information from resume databanks, often dangling professional positions, says Ms. Dixon. The "employer" may use the guise of a job application or interview to secure information, such as a Social Security number, bank-account number or a scan of a driver's license. Or a job hunter may be asked to provide information for a pre-employment background check or arranging a direct-deposit account. [See an example of an email for a phishing scam1.]"It's easy to be tricked into giving out your personal information when you are told they will conduct a pre-employment background check," says Beth Givens, director of the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, a consumer-advocacy group in San Diego. "However, you should not give out your Social Security number or a scan of your driver's license until you are sure it is a legitimate operation."

Good advice.

And actually, if they are a new business --- they probably aren't going to have forms readily available for you to fill out. They are probably just scrapping things together slowly.

So maybe --- no paperwork until after you've gotten the position and feel comfortable is a good idea.

[ss20ts]

I've never interviewed for a job where I had to fill out a direct deposit form! That's just insane! And if you do it, you're going to get what you ask for.

If the fellow interviewing you is starting a new business he very well could have a day job still. Thus not be able to meet during business hours. A dinner interview is really not unheard of nor uncommon.

[got2bright]

Originally Posted by JakilaTheHun

Honestly, I think the people in here screaming "DON'T GO!!!" are the types of people who hide in their safe suburban havens all day afraid at all times that something is going to happen to them.

How did you know I do that? Are you following me?

[Fritz99]

This is probably a multi-level marketing opportunity that they would like you to join.

[DuchessOfKvetch]

Just avoid filling out your SSN on any 'application' they give you. Wait until you've confirmed their legitimacy. They don't NEED your social until you're hired anyway, though some companies will run credit checks on applicants, but ONLY after an offer has been made - they cost the company money anyway.

[xavier132487]

It doesn't seem fishy meeting in a hotel, unless it's like a motel 6 or something. If it's a decent or nice hotel, then it's not really fishy. The 6P thing: they ARE just getting started on their own. So, maybe they're putting all their labor in before 6P? Just saying.

If you think it's a money scam, here's a rule: don't give them your personal information (SSN) until they have given you a FIRM offer of employment. If they say "we need to check your credit" or something like that, ask "if I do, and it comes back good, am I guaranteed the job?" and get it in writing. Now, if they decline employment after that but your credit sucks, don't panic LOL. Your credit just sucks. If it's superb, though, keep dibs on your credit report for a while and even get a credit watching agency on that.

[globalnomad]

Just to be on the safe side, you might want to leave a relative or friend back at your home or apartment while you and your spouse go to the hotel interview together.

Your resume probably lists your home address and home phone number?

You can't be too cautious if you don't know these people (or their associates).

[medewe]

So, I ended up going to the interview. I had to reschedule for another day. I was 10 min late...But when I got there...no one was there. I waited a few min. I didn't have the contact info of the man interviewing me, but I did have the info of the owner. I called him. He asked why I was late and I told him. (Ok, iterview ended up being at 5:30 in Tucker. I live in Mableton. The drive was supposed to be about 30-40 min. I left my house at 4:15 for extra precaution. I wanted to beat rush hour on 285 N. I didn't beat it. Traffic was bumper to bumper the entire way. Not my fault they scheduled something durning lunch hour) Anyway he said that the GM that was to interview me had just left and called him. He said he wasn't sure if they'd be giving me another interview. Haven't heard back.
Oh well, got another job.