DiStar Networks - Is it a scam?
Hey PFC.
I have been job searching for over a year, and I'm eager to get just about anything at this point. I received this email in my emails two days ago:
Dear XXX,
I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to share an exciting career opportunity with DiStar Networks, a leading IT services >company based in Toronto, ON. Your profile on Indeed caught our attention as an excellent match for the role we are looking to fill.
About Us
Established in 2017, DiStar Networks provides comprehensive IT solutions to businesses across Canada. We specialize in computer >maintenance, managed IT services, and electronic tendering for the Canadian federal government. Additionally, we collaborate with small >and medium-sized businesses to support their technology needs.
Position: Client Relations Coordinator
This remote position offers the flexibility to work from home while contributing to our dynamic team and supporting company growth.
Key Details:
Location: Remote (Work from Home)
Company Address: 35 Mariner Terrace #4512, Toronto, ON M5V 3V9
Website: distar.ca
Employment Type:
Full-Time: $1,120 CAD per week (net salary), equivalent to $28/hour
Part-Time: $560 CAD per week (net salary), equivalent to $28/hour
Shift Hours:
Full-Time: 40 hours/week (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET)
Part-Time: 20 hours/week (flexible scheduling)
Start Date: Immediate
Compensation: Weekly payments via direct deposit
Probation Period:
A 7-day probation period at $28/hour. Upon successful completion, a long-term contract will be offered based on mutual agreement.
Qualifications:
We are seeking candidates with:
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
Excellent organizational and time management capabilities
Proficiency in computer systems and a willingness to learn new software quickly
Fluency in English (spoken and written)
Customer service experience
Responsibilities:
Respond to incoming inquiries and oversee project delivery
Manage correspondence, client requests, and reporting
Monitor and manage online reviews
Support administrative and operational functions
Employee Benefits:
Flexible work-from-home arrangements
Extended health, vision, and dental coverage
Life and disability insurance
30 days of paid vacation and personal time off
Engaging company events
We provide comprehensive training and are committed to your professional success. As your supervisor, I will be available to guide and >support you throughout your journey.
If this opportunity aligns with your career goals, I would love to schedule a conversation to discuss it further. Please let me know your >availability.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to connecting soon!
Which, on reflection looks pretty great for a WFH job, though its a little light on details. So I respond saying 'yeah I'm interested, gimme them deets'.
I get this:
Dear XXX,
Thank you for your interest in the remote position of Client Relations Coordinator and for submitting your application. We truly appreciate >your efforts.
In this role, you will have the flexibility to work from home, provided you have a PC or laptop and a reliable internet connection. During the >trial period, we will offer online training to help you succeed.
If you are ready to accept this opportunity, please indicate your preferred start date in the Employment Agreement.
I have prepared an e-Sign Employment Agreement for you to review and accept: LINK
To thrive in this position, it is essential to adhere to the terms outlined in the agreement. Specifically, you will need to start your workday >at 9 AM Eastern Time. For part-time employees, start times can be more flexible.
Please note that failing to meet your responsibilities during the trial period may lead to the termination of our agreement. You can work >from any location, giving you the freedom to choose your workspace.
During the probation period, you will complete a simple task to help us assess your work. We will guide you with examples and detailed >instructions to ensure you are supported throughout this process. For full-time positions, you will receive $1,120 per week, while part-time >positions will offer $560 per week for 20 hours of work between 9 AM and 5 PM [Eastern Time]. We’ll schedule your interview based on >your selected start date in the Employment Agreement.
Your responsibilities during the trial period will include:
Direct communication with your manager.
Keeping your mobile phone on during working hours.
Avoiding activities that could disrupt your tasks.
Diligently completing all assigned tasks, which will influence the decision regarding your permanent employment.
Providing reports on each task performed.
We will schedule a Zoom video call one day prior to your start date.
As your supervisor, I am committed to your success. It’s important to check your email regularly and respond promptly. I recommend >connecting your cell phone to the internet for consistent communication.
Once you’ve completed the Employment Agreement, please let me know that you’ve signed it. We’ll also have a phone interview on your >chosen start date. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out via email.
We look forward to hearing from you soon and are excited to support your journey with our team!
And at this point I'm sus AF. I check back through my records - I don't have any prior communication with this company or person, I never applied to any job for this company, and they didn't say where they found me or why I'd be a good fit. Red flag number 1.
They want me to sign the employment agreement without an interview of any kind. Red flag number 2. My responsibilities during the probationary period are... communicate with manager, keep your phone on, dont get distracted and complete any tasks? Red flag number 3.
I think just writing this out I have convinced myself that it is in fact a scam, but I'd love to hear your input. I'm thinking even if it is a scam, sign up and see what tasks they want me to do? My guess is its a cheque deposit scam with extra steps, but maybe if I play along and contact the RCMP it could help find them?
Any dangers I should be aware of? I know not to...
- give away any details like SIN number, does this include my home address?
- give any banking information
- deposit any cheques or withdraw any money on their behalf
Anything I'm missing?
Posted Apr 15, 2025, 7:37 PM UTC