Chet Rokitnitz

I'm really sorry to hear that you were targeted by a job scam from someone claiming to be Chet Rokitnitz." Job scams can be incredibly frustrating, and it's important to know you're not alone. Here are some specific steps you can take to address this situation:

1. Cut Off Communication: Don't respond to any further emails or calls from Chet Rokitnitz or anyone claiming to be associated with the fake job offer. Scammers often try to keep the conversation going, hoping to extract more personal information or money.

2. Report the Scam: There are several resources available to report job scams. Consider reporting Chet Rokitnitz and the scam email to the following:

   • The platform where you found the job posting: Most job boards have a reporting system for suspicious activity. Report the fake job listing and Chet's email address.
   • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This helps them track fraudulent activity and potentially take action against scammers.
   • Your Email Provider: If you received the scam email through a major provider like Gmail or Yahoo, you can report it as spam. This helps them identify and filter out similar scams in the future.

3. Protect Your Information: If you accidentally shared any personal information with Chet Rokitnitz, such as your Social Security number or bank account details, be proactive:

   • Monitor your bank accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank statements for any unusual activity. Consider placing a temporary hold on your accounts if you suspect fraudulent charges.
   • Consider placing a fraud alert: You can contact one of the major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax) to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This will make it more difficult for someone to open new accounts in your name.  

4. Change Your Passwords: If you used the same password for the job application as you do for other accounts (like email or banking), change those passwords immediately. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.

5. Don't Be Discouraged: This experience shouldn't deter you from your job search. Use trusted job boards and company websites for future applications. Research companies thoroughly before applying, and never pay upfront fees for job opportunities. There are many legitimate opportunities out there, so keep your head high and continue your search.

The scammer used the email address "chet@chetrokitnitz.com." This could be a red flag depending on the context. Here's why:

• Generic Email Address: While some legitimate businesses might use generic email addresses (e.g., [email address removed]), a professional editor likely wouldn't have such a basic address. Editors often have their names included in their email addresses (e.g., [email address removed]).
• Free Email Providers: Be cautious if the email address uses a free email provider like Gmail or Yahoo. Legitimate editors usually have business email addresses associated with the company they work for.

Pro Tip: Consider using a tool like CredCheck (https://www.scamadviser.com/) offered by ScamCheckup.com. CredCheck allows you to analyze emails for suspicious language or signs of phishing attempts. It also offers reverse image search and image analysis for manipulation and forgery. This could help you identify red flags in future job offers.