Ariba company?

I applied for a job through reallocaljobs.com and was contacted for a data entry position for Ariba. I had an interview through yahoo messenger (1st sketchy thing). I see that that is one way of finding out if its phishy or not. I don't get any one's name, just another Yahoo ID to talk to. They want me to buy software with a check they mailed over night to me. Second sketchy thing is their English is downright terrible. They are constantly omitting words, repeating the same thing, and misspelling words. Third thing is they sent a check from APEX Investment Groups, whose 2nd google hit is from www.ripoffreport.com. Fourth thing is that they keep insisting on me depositing the check and then sending them a receipt.
I want to believe that its a scam, can you confirm this for me before I get all pissy with Ariba's HR department for not having control of their recruiters?

This is a scam and you should cut all contact with the scammer. Don't reply to them, just block them and disappear. No legitimate company hires employees just through e-mail/instant messenger contact.

If you still have the check, DO NOT DEPOSIT IT. Destroy it immediately, because it's a fake check. Were you to deposit the check, you'd have money available in a couple of days. You would withdraw the money, and send the requested amount via western union/moneygram onward to the scammer. Weeks/months later bank discovers that the check you deposited is fake. Now you're on the hook for entire amount of the check, and can go to jail as well for passing fake checks.

Thank you. I tried calling Ariba directly to see if the name of the person who put up the job add was legit or not, but am having trouble getting through to HR. WIll update with any more information gathered. Can I screw over the scammers by taking the check to a check cash now place?

You should absolutely not do that! That makes you no better than the scammer.

While the check is fake, it is possible it is drawn on details of another victim. I warned you about repercussions of trying to cash the check - don't do it.

[AlanJones]

WIll update with any more information gathered. Can I screw over the scammers by taking the check to a check cash now place?

As Painful Truth says, not a good idea as it won't punish the scammers - the check cashing place will also keep records of who cashed checks and when it is found to be fake, they will have no hesitation in passing your details to the authorities.

Then you would have committed a crime irritablebowls and the punishment for passing counterfeit paper can be quite severe.

The ink on many bank notes and financial documents never fully dries. You can test this by running your finger across a bank note and seeing the ink it leaves on your finger. Your fingerprints may already therefore be printed in the face of the check. I suspect that most check cashing shops have very good in store cameras and they'll ask for photo ID. You may not even get out of the shop as they'll hold lists of fake checks in circulation. If this were a way to get money, the scammers would be doing it themselves.

The fact that you began as a victim won't carry much weight in court if you then decide to perform a fraud against the check cashing store, and they'll press for the police to press charges to discourage others from trying the same trick.

If you think about it, it really isn't a good idea as Painful Truth and AJ say.

Thanks for this discussion. I started looking for a job and filled information online on US.JOBS. Got an offer to start the messenger thing with an HR rep called Greg. Same situation, Ariba company, setting a work from home job, and a check will come in the mail. I suspected a scam and logged all the conversation to show to the Dept of Labor. Will collect more info and probably contact the local authorities to follow up ... thanks for your help via your site.