Reproduced below is a phishing email that multiple Scamicide readers received and forwarded to me. Apparently Shell Oil is in need of the skills of Scamicide readers. This type of phishing emails is fodder for multiple types of scams
The email appears to come from Shell Oil and the version received by the Scamicide readers even contained a legitimate appearing Shell logo, which is meaningless since it is a simple matter to insert a counterfeit logo into the email. Even the email address from which the email is sent appears legitimate, but, in fact, is not an email address used by Shell Oil. However, the language used in the email is very stilted and would appear to be from someone whose primary language is not English.
So where is the scam? In one version of the scam, if you provide your resume, they will read it and inform you that you are hired and they need you to provide your Social Security number for tax reporting purposes although the real reason they want your Social Security number is to make you a victim of identity theft. In another version of the scam, they tell you that you have been hired, but that you need to pay for some training. Often they will even send you what appears to be a legitimate check from which you can wire back to them the funds they need for your training. This is just another version of the common scam where you are sent a counterfeit check and asked under some guise to wire back some of the check to the scammer. Their check bounces, but the funds wired from your bank account are gone once they are wired. In yet another variation of this scam, they use the information you provide through your resume to specifically tailor a spear phishing email to you that will lure you into clicking on a link in the email that will download malware such as ransomware.
Here is a copy of the phishing email. The email address of the person receiving it has been removed. The version sent by the scammers also came with a very legitimate appearing Shell Oil logo.
“From: SHELL OIL COMPANY [mailto:shell.recruit@shell.us]
Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2018 4:00 PM
To: *****************
Subject: Employment Proposal-Shl:517084-2018
Dear expert/specialist
We want to use this channel to inform you of the immediate need of your competent services at the ongoing oil/gas exploration in Shell Oil Company, Texas, and United States. Your profile and eligibilities were found on the professional site. Kindly forward to us in Reply Email your Curriculum vitae, Certificates and Resume to back up your competence as you have stated. After evaluation and proper analysis, you shall be communicated if we find your qualifications fit for instant employment.
Waiting for your swift feedback
Kind regards,
Steve France
Head, Human Resources Dept.
Shell Oil Company
910 Louisiana St, Houston, TX 77002
United States.
Tel: (713) 322-3826
Email: shell.recruit@shell.us”
TIPS
Obviously if you have no skills in the oil and gas business, the email is a scam. In addition, the salutation reads “Dear expert/specialist” which does not include your name because the identical email is being sent to many other people. The failure to include your name is another good indication that this is a scam.
Never spend money to apply for a job.  Legitimate employers do not require fees.  Google the address, telephone number and name of the company to see if it matches what you have been told.  Don’t send a resume with personal information that can be used to make you a victim of identity theft.  If an email appears to be from a company that you know is legitimate such as Shell Oil, confirm by a telephone call to the real company’s HR department that the email you are answering is legitimate.  A legitimate company will eventually need your Social Security number, but not early in the process.  Make sure that you have confirmed that the job is legitimate before providing this information.
Never accept a check for more than what is owed you and wire the difference to someone under any circumstances. This is a sure indication that it is a scam.
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