Q: my remote company is holding my payment and asking me to pay ~$42k for unfreeze my account. Can you help me with this?

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A: 1. Legitimate companies do not freeze accounts and demand large sums of money to "unfreeze" them. This is a common tactic used by scammers.

2. The lack of transparent company policies and the gradual revealing of "rules" is another warning sign of fraudulent activity.

3. Cryptocurrency payments for remote work, while not inherently illegal, are often used in scams due to the irreversible nature of transactions.

4. The amounts involved ($42k to unfreeze, $87k total) are suspiciously large and typical of high-stakes scams.

Here are some steps I recommend:

1. Do not pay any money to "unfreeze" your account. This is likely an attempt to defraud you of more money.

2. Document all communications and transactions you've had with this company.

3. Report this incident to:

- Your local law enforcement

- The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov

- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov

4. If you've shared any personal or financial information with this company, monitor your credit reports and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze.

5. Consult with a lawyer specializing in employment law or fraud cases. They can provide more specific legal advice based on the details of your situation.

6. Be cautious about remote job offers in the future, especially those involving cryptocurrency payments or requiring upfront fees.

Unfortunately, recovering money lost in such scams can be challenging, especially with cryptocurrency involved. However, reporting the incident can help authorities track and potentially stop these fraudulent operations.

Remember, legitimate employers will never ask you to pay money to receive your wages or to access your own funds. If you have any doubts about a job or payment arrangement, it's always best to seek legal advice before proceeding.