possible scam-Virtual Administrative Assistant/Data entry/graphic design

This morning Erin cancelled this project.  After a Google Hangup chat on Monday with Hope Emanuel from LeeKee. Internet research indicated the company is located in Japan, I received a job offer yesterday for this project. I was told I should purchase a laptop and various software.The first red flag when off in my mind when I asked if payment for the equipment would go through PPH.  Emanuel said no. Paychecks would go through you.

After reviewing my notes, I did not sign the job offer. I had questions relative to payment for equipment. I took screen shots of our chat and there seem to be some discrepancy in how to purchase the equipment. I also asked if there was an approved local vendor. And if I found the equipment at a better price would it be acceptable to purchase the equipment at the better price.

Please keep in mind I have not signed the offer letter.  My questions were not answered yesterday.  Yet a check for $4950.00 arrived today from a Caroline Hampton. I became very suspicious . . . a check without a signed acceptance of an offer of employment. Unheard of and unacceptable in my corporate experiences.

Hampton instructed me to deposit the check via bank app or ATM. Then send her a copy of the deposit slip. This too raised a red flag. Ultimately, I called the bank that the check was drawn on.  The bank indicated not to cash the check. The funds were not available.

I informed Emanuel of the bank's comment. I was no longer interested in his offer.  His response through Google hangouts:

Listen to me there is funds on the account why don't you let me know before you called ?

You can make use of your credit card if you don't want to deposit the check with you.

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Maybe this is not a scam.  But it sure feels like it.