Now there are JOB scams.

You search for a job on LinkedIn. Apply to various jobs.
One of these jobs responds to you by e-mail they they are interested. They give you a PDF with 15 questions as an interview/screening (not abnormal at all, for Software Development). Though it's more usual to get this in a phone/video/in-person interview...

They wait a few days, then write back they congrats! They want to give you a job. Write back with your name & address so we can put that into the job offer.
Job offer comes within minutes by e-mail.

Guy's name is "Joseph Oliver" but he makes a lot of English grammar mistakes (first red flag).

Job offer requests that you sign the 3 page docuмent, scan it, and send it back. Along with front/back of your drivers license.

Unfortunately, I followed them this far. Then it all fell apart.

The scam seems to be: they want you to buy equipment from "approved vendors" for your work-at-home station. They will "reimburse you later". Of course, not only will they not reimburse you, but you won't get the computer equipment either. You will be sending money/credit card to some scammer, who runs off with your money.
NEVER front money for ANYTHING: ransoming a relative, getting a job, getting a lottery jackpot, keeping the lights on, keeping your bank account active, or anything else they scare you into. That's basic common sense Scam Avoidance 101 -- and I told him that!

Looking back, there were countless red flags. The website had errors. He promised just about anything a job seeker could be looking for (good money, chance to pitch his product, benefits, working from home, flexible hours, getting free equipment, etc.)

See I didn't see "work from home" in the same "too good to be true" category as getting $15M windfall from a Nigerian prince. Because I have worked from home many times before! It's not some elusive dream for me.

This "Joseph Oliver" (probably an Indian pseudonym) scammer told me they would send me a check to buy equipment, then I'd begin training. Ok, whatever. But then the next email, practically 1/2 hour later, he totally changes it to:

"Due to logistics issues and repeated errors that have been occurring on the receipts of purchase from the vendor, it has been decided that all newly hired employees will be responsible for purchasing materials from the company's accredited vendors, while the company will provide the funds for the purchase."

Long story short, I wish they'd make THEFT a capital crime again, punishable by death. They used to hang horse thieves. IF ONLY WE COULD GO BACK TO THAT. Those were the good old days. It's difficult to live a normal virtuous life if anyone and everyone could steal your stuff with no serious repercussions.

There are more ways to "take a life" or irrevocably damage a life than to murder them. Think of all the old people swindled out of their life savings by various scammers over the years. Some even commit ѕυιcιdє from the shock of losing everything, the shame, etc.

I'm not talking about petty shoplifting. I'm talking about stealing a substantial sum of money; a weeks pay or more for the average person. Maybe a days' pay would merit time in prison.