Context: so i applied to this data entry remote position. I got an online skype interview immediately the next day. It went smoothly i guess? He asked for some info but only my name, address, phone number, and email. I got offered a job on the same interview. The guy interviewing me said that i have to buy a bunch of software to work from home and that they would send me a check for it. I immediately get super sketch vibes but i keep going anyways. He said id start today at 8am. And that hed email me eith documents and whatnot. I have not received or signed any documents. He told me the software to buy and then immediately asked what i was to buy with the check. Again i didnt think this was serious, i was gonna ditch and dip after the interview. Fast forward, I wake up today, missed my “start shift” but the guy only sent me a message an hour after at 9am with oy a “good morning.” I also noticed i had a check from a financial company for almost 4k! I havent gotten or signed any paperwork. Thr only thing on the check in the memo section says , “cleared by positive pay.”
Can i cash this check and ditch? Like why would they send it without me being an actual employee. There was also a letter saying to email a completely different email with a receipt for the stuff i bought? The letter has punctuation errors and it just seems off. Any advice would be appreciated.