Fair warning since this seems to be spreading more: Any "job interview" that asks you to use apps like google hangouts, telegram, etc are scams they're trying to make you believe you got an actual job to get your bank info for "direct deposit".

From what I've seen they're sweeping through artstation and contacting illustrators. I figured it was a scam during the so-called "interview" and played along so I could get their fake contract. I sent all the info to the real company and have screenshots for them.

Even during Covid a company will NOT use apps like that to conduct interviews or get personal information. They will call, be professional, obviously know how to use spellcheck, and any sensitive information will be done through secure forms from their businesses.

I used to be an assistant manager for a store, I've been involved in the interview process. All schedules and calls for interview are done by email or phone and through the company's own email. Reverse search emails and names if unsure and you'll see if they're legit.

Since everything with Covid they are preying on people they think are gonna be desperate for work, preying on your hopes and dreams and it takes a low kind of scum to hunt those already down on their luck.

The one I was targeted by was using Aristocrat Leisure Limited as their front and the telegram name is @ aristocratleisurelimited. An article here lists others: https://www.thedailyscam.com/job-interviews-in-google-hangouts/

Again, a large company would NOT use a gmail address. They'd have their own domain.

And if in doubt all company sites have contact info to get a hold of them to question. A real company will be fine if you have doubts and can proof legitimacy, especially since this scam has been going for a while.

I also say this as someone whose applied & gotten job interview offers by actual companies. I gave the benefit of the doubt b/c covid but it was easy to figure out something was up.

However I am always cautious, someone more hopeful might not catch it & I want to protect people.

Also letting @ArtStationHQ know this thread since the ring seems to be scouring them and targeting people with artstation profiles right now.