Should I Travel 200 Miles To Collect A Laptop?

[Treacle71]

I recieved one of those job alerts.  It's a typist role working on backlog typing as a contract for 6 months.  It's working from home which is something I'm keen on, however I'd have to collect a laptop from a UK city 200 miles away from where I live.  

I wondered if anyone has heard of doing such a thing or could it be legit?  I asked if the laptop collection is a one-off or would I have to make several trips there, but she confirmed just the once to collect the laptop.  Just wondered about anyone's thoughts?  I don't know if my travel will be paid for even, yet.

[naomi24]

Why can't they send it?

[Canary42]

Sounds odd if they couldn't courier it to you.

[THECORBYLOON]

Would it not be cheaper for them to post it rather than pay for 400 miles' travel?

[brainiac]

What's so special about the laptop?  I'd ask them why the information on it cannot be sent to you in the normal way.  Sounds like a scam.

[DDIL]

My last 2 jobs have sent my laptop via courier to my home address

[Treacle71]

Hmmmm.....thank you.  I'm going to put that to the recruiter about it being couriered over to me.  

[Treacle71]

I've just asked the recruiter.  See what they say.

[Maydup]

Meantime do a bit of research into the company and don't give up the day job.

[newmodarmy]

Sounds fishy to me. Do they want any money upfront. I can't imagine what sort of business would have a typing backlog

[albaqwerty]

Newmo, a busy lawyers office could have a backlog. Memory is a bit sketchy but I had an interview many moons ago, part time typist, lawyer's firm ,Glasgow City Centre. Was only 3 hours on a Saturday morning for 6 months tho.

Treacle, don't travel would be my advice.

Have you heard back from recruiters yet?

[bednobs]

I know this is not really your question, my advice to you to think very carefully about working from home. You already tell us that you don't get on with your mum and having you around would probably suit her so that she can manipulate you.

You have also told us that you don't like it when your neighbours are making noise. This very well may be exacerbated during the day when you're trying to work.

[newmodarmy]

albaqwerty- yes, I was picturing a medical or legal service needing tpists, as so many professions have largely eliminated typists over the last 20 years- but whilst i could imagine backlog needing a few days or weeks, 6 months seems a long time- it must be a huge backlog or at least they expect lots more work to come in.  I'd just be cautious about this. 

 

[albaqwerty]

Agree with you about being cautious Newmod, what sort of firm would expect someone to travel just to collect a laptop?

[ToraToraTora]

FGS it's a scam, sounds very iffy to me.

[newmodarmy]

Will they expect you to bring it back after the 6 months is up? Or maybe they say they'll need a deposit from you.

Where did the alert come from?

[pastafreak]

Treacle has mentioned a recruiter being involved...is it a reputable company?

[Treacle71]

I'll let you know if the recruiter gets back. Thank you so far! It's in healthcare.

[Hazlinny]

I reckon this is a scam - google has many similar accounts (certainly mainly in USA) where peope are also asked for money - recruiters are also fake.  Being asked to travel some 200 miles to collect a laptop sounds ridiculous when couriers are available.
Think wisely before proceeding.

[Treacle71]

I will thank you.

[Treacle71]

Just to let you know I messaged the recruiter asking if they can courier over the laptop or if not, will I be paid travel expenses 200 miles to collect the laptop ........well........……no reply!