Drivers beware! Truck driving schools, students and new drivers have become the targets of a scam that is robbing students of their hard earned cash. In order to prevent anyone from becoming a victim of these shysters, we are doing our part to spread the word on this scheme.
We have a report of a man, identifying himself as Steve Green, who introduced himself as a driver recruiter from a big name trucking company. His demeanor was very professional; he used lingo typical to the industry and seemed to be quite familiar with the recruiting process. He spoke with a sense of urgency as he explained that he had an immediate need for at least six drivers. He mentioned all of the standard information and requirements that should be provided by a recruiter, looking to fill an OTR Class A Driver position. Steve stated that the position paid $450.00 a week during the first 4 weeks of training, then 30 cents a mile after that. Drivers would cover the 48 states and would be out for 14 days and then spend 4 days at home. Applicants with felony charges older than 5 years and DUI’s older than 3 years can be accepted. Steve requested applicants to call him immediately about the opportunity.
We learned that after providing some very alluring details of the positions he needed to fill, he asked a new class A driver to provide personal information such as social security number, date of birth and home address. He then told the unsuspecting driver that he had been hired. Steve suggested that instead of attending a standard orientation, he’d like to send a driver to pick him up from home, that way they’d be able to get started driving. Mr. Green convinced his victim to wire him $300 to cover the cost of fuel and other training expenses. Led to believe he was being expedited through the application process, the “applicant” felt as though he was simply doing what was required to get the job. Ultimately, he was asked to send more and more money via Western Union until he tapped out at $1200. Needless to say, the truck and trainer never arrived to pick him up.
A police report has been filed on this incident. Steve Green called from the phone number (702) 384-9046—it was a pay phone at a Greyhound Bus Station in Las Vegas, Nevada. Unfortunately this is not an isolated incident and similar accounts have been reported by drivers, students, and schools nationwide.
Our placement department wants all students to watch out for this scam and be aware that there may be many variations. No recruiter, regardless of which company they represent should ever ask for money to be sent anywhere for any reason. If you receive such a call, please report it immediately to both California Career School and to your local law enforcement office.
California Career School offers these tips for NOT becoming a victim:
- DO NOT give out personal information (ie – social security number or financial information) over the phone unless you have already completed a valid application for the company. Even then, it is much safer to verify only the last four digits of your social security number.
- NEVER send money! Legitimate companies will not ask you to pay for a job.
- Be wary of any “recruiter” that seems rushed or skips over the normal steps of the hiring process.
- If an opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is! Trust your instincts!
- Contact your placement coordinator to confirm the credibility of any recruiter or company offering employment.
Photo © Stock Project/ deviantart
Author: Rachel Herold
Excellent tips to keep your information safe.
You should NEVER have to pay for a job that should be paying you.
And definitely not for your first time at the job.
Everyone please be aware of the scams that are out there.