Minntex Investments Inc: A Scam or a Legit Company?
Minntex Investments Inc is a name that has been used by scammers to lure unsuspecting victims into a check fraud scheme. The scammers claim to be an investment fund that is hiring new employees and send them fake checks to buy equipment for the job. However, the real Minntex Investment Co Inc is a legitimate company that operates in the automotive repair and maintenance industry. How can you tell the difference between the two and avoid falling prey to the scam?
The Scam
The scam involves posting fake job ads on websites like Indeed, using the name Minntex Investments Inc. The scammers claim to be looking for data entry clerks, administrative assistants, or customer service representatives. They conduct text interviews through an app called Wire and offer to hire the applicants within minutes. They then send them a check for several thousand dollars and instruct them to deposit it into their bank accounts and use it to buy office supplies, software, or gift cards from specific vendors. They also ask them to send back some of the money through wire transfers or mobile payment apps.
The problem is that the check is counterfeit and will bounce after a few days, leaving the victims liable for the full amount. The scammers will disappear with the money they received from the victims and cut off all communication. The victims will also lose the money they spent on the purchases and face possible legal consequences for depositing a fraudulent check.
The Real Company
The real Minntex Investment Co Inc is a company that operates under the name Valvoline Instant Oil Change and provides lubrication service for automobiles. The company is based in Hibbing, Minnesota and has been in business since 1993¹. The company has one location and one principal, Brandon Howard, who is the manager¹. The company has no affiliation with any investment fund or any other industry.
The company’s website is www.expresscare.com¹, which redirects to www.vioc.com, the official website of Valvoline Instant Oil Change. The company’s phone number is (218) 263-9555¹ and its address is 3040 E Beltline, Hibbing, MN, 55746-2312¹. The company has no presence on social media or any other online platforms.
How to Avoid the Scam
To avoid falling victim to the scam, you should be wary of any job offer that sounds too good to be true, such as hiring you without an interview or paying you a large amount of money upfront. You should also never accept or deposit a check from someone you don’t know or trust, especially if they ask you to send back some of the money or buy things from specific vendors. You should also never share your personal or financial information with anyone online or over the phone.
If you encounter a job ad or a check that claims to be from Minntex Investments Inc, you should report it to the authorities and alert the website where you found it. You should also contact the real Minntex Investment Co Inc at their phone number or website and inform them of the scam using their name.
Conclusion
Minntex Investments Inc is a name that has been used by scammers to trick people into a check fraud scheme. The scammers pretend to be an investment fund that is hiring new employees and send them fake checks to buy equipment for the job. However, the real Minntex Investment Co Inc is a legitimate company that operates in the automotive repair and maintenance industry under the name Valvoline Instant Oil Change. To avoid falling prey to the scam, you should be careful of any job offer that sounds too good to be true, never accept or deposit a check from someone you don’t know or trust, and never share your personal or financial information with anyone online or over the phone. You should also report any suspicious activity to the authorities and contact the real Minntex Investment Co Inc if you encounter a scam using their name.
