Consumer complaint received 2023-08-04
Company: PNC Bank N.A.
State: NJ
Product: Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service
Sub-product: Mobile or digital wallet
Issue: Fraud or scam

Complaint:
I was looking for new opportunities online during this process I applied to multip companies through the XXXX job. I got a notification from XXXX this posting meets my criteria so after looking at the job description I applied for the job title XXXX XXXX XXXX position with XXXX XXXX. A few days later I got an email from a company recruiter name XXXX XXXX and mentioned they shortlisted me for the next recruitment process. He then sent me an assessment that needs to be completed and sent it over. I submitted that assessment on XX/XX/2023, and on XX/XX/2023 he sent me another email notifying the company like to hire me as XXXX XXXX XXXX  and asked for my info to create the offer letter. During the process, I checked their website and did my homework about the company they claim they are open source company and I also notice the job I applied for through XXXX is on their website plus another front-end developer job also listed. I also check the job description and that matched with the XXXX job description as well. After receiving an offer letter as usual I sign and return it back. In next day he email me and thank me for accepting the offer and mentioned Prior to beginning work, I will get a payment ( check ) that will be utilized to set up my workspace by purchasing the necessary office equipment and software. After I submit the necessary data listed below, HR will email me the employment offer letter so I can sign it. I should start your training as soon as possible. I sent my name, address, and phone number to the following email address XXXX. On XX/XX/XXXX I received my offer letter then I signed and return it on XX/XX/XXXX. on XX/XX/XXXX I got an email back from him mentioning Previously, the company makes the purchase of the materials for our employees but due to logistics issues and repeated errors that have been happening on the receipts of purchase from the vendor, it was decided that all newly hired employees make the purchase of the materials from the company 's accredited vendors while the company provides the funds that would be used for the purchase. If you are able to work for the company for a period of XXXX weeks, the equipment automatically becomes yours and your name has to be on the receipt of purchase to show that you made the order from the vendor. You will receive a text from XXXX shortly as you shall be corresponding with him from here on out. A few hours later I received a text message from XXXX mentioning my information had been forwarded to the finance department for the preparation and endorsement of the check so I can deposit it in order to make payment for the equipment he instruct me to make the deposit via mobile banking. In a text message, he gives instructions on how the cut the paper to check the size after print out and sends a screenshot of the confirmation when done. After I made the deposit he told me further correspondence will held tomorrow when the deposit is available. This check I deposit {$4900.00} in my checking account on XX/XX/XXXX. In next morning I got a message from him asking if the check get cleared so after I check my back account I show the check got cleared so I notify him yes it was available. Then he sends the vendor information to XXXX XXXX XXXX to send {$4900.00} via XXXX and send him the screenshot of the confirmation when it's sent. but my XXXX limit is {$2500.00} after I mentioned him he said to make a {$2500.00} XXXX payment and was asked do I have XXXX or XXXX to make this remaining payment. After I mention I don't have he told me to make a wire transfer to XXXX XXXX, XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX fl XXXX Routing number:XXXX Account XXXX. So I made {$2400.00} wire payment. All the transactions took place on XXXX XXXX. After an hour later he mention according to the finance department I need to make another payment to the vendor as that would be the final payment for the cost of equipment along with the shipping fee and asked me to Deposit {$4800.00} and let him know when it was done. So I did as usual I deposited this {$4800.00} to the bank on XXXX XXXX and the next morning he told me to send this amount through wire. After I made the wire transfer this {$4800.00} my back stop the wire. Then I notify him I am unable to make any wire so he gave me another XXXX number XXXX XXXX XXXX and sent {$2500.00} and told him I will XXXX the remaining balance XXXX of XXXX. This morning when I check my bank account I got a notification the check I deposited on XX/XX/XXXX was bounced because the signature is not legit. Then after I went to the bank and mention this situation. Then I have been connected with the bank 's online depart and file the dispute file for all three transactions. Because I made a XXXX  and wire transfer they are not too confident to get this money back. I also went to my local police depart to file a report of a scam. I tried to contact the XXXX group numerous times but no one picks my phone.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation