The Grifter’s Playbook — Part 2: The Communication Trap
Subtitle: If it doesn’t come through official channels, it’s not onboarding—it’s bait.
Most job scams don’t start with a contract. They start with a conversation. And that conversation? Usually doesn’t happen where it’s supposed to.
Scammers know that if they sound casual, helpful, and just "a little different," you’ll drop your guard. Especially if you’re tired, job-hunting, or just trying to survive.
Here’s how the communication trap works—and how to dodge it like a glitch in the system.
1️⃣ If It’s Not on Teams or Zoom, Be Suspicious “We’ll interview you via Telegram/WhatsApp/email chat.”
That’s not standard. That’s intentional isolation. By avoiding official platforms, scammers skip scrutiny and create a space where nothing feels “off” because there are no rules.
Reminder: Real recruiters don’t avoid cameras, accountability, or structure. If they won’t meet you face to face—even virtually—it’s not a job. It’s bait.
2️⃣ Chat-Only Interviews Are a Red Flag Text-only interviews give the illusion of professionalism, but they're built for speed—not depth. Scammers want your info, not your qualifications.
“Tell me about yourself.” “What’s your address, phone number, and bank?”
That’s not a hiring process. That’s digital pickpocketing.
3️⃣ Job Offers That Appear Out of Nowhere If they say they “found your resume” but don’t name the platform, company, or job description—they didn’t find you. They’re casting bait.
Always ask:
What position was this for?
Where did you see my resume?
What company will I actually work for?
Scammers either won’t answer—or will dodge with fluff.
4️⃣ When the Email Address Doesn’t Match the Brand Email: @careers-atl.jobs Claims: “We’re Amazon HR.”
Nah. That domain isn’t even close. Real recruiters use branded company emails. No exceptions.
5️⃣ Vague Titles & Overhyped Pay “Remote Assistant – $900/week, start ASAP!”
If they can’t tell you what you’re actually doing, where the company is based, or who your manager would be—that’s not a job, it’s a vacuum.
🎯 Bottom Line Scammers don’t need access to your bank to hurt you. All they need is a fake smile, an unofficial chat, and a moment where you're hopeful enough to say “yes.”
Protect your time, your energy, your inbox. Because the moment they say, “We do things a little differently,” …they probably do. For all the wrong reasons.
💡 Raccoon Rule: If the platform is sketchy, the job is, too. Stay where the professionals are. And if someone ducks the camera, rewrites the rules, or “just needs a quick confirmation”—you vanish like smoke behind a trash can. 🦝
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