I had an interview earlier this week that seemed to go well. They asked for my pay rate, availability, and mentioned setting up a next-round interview.

A couple days later, I got a text from a random number claiming to be “one of the hiring managers,” saying they wouldn’t move forward after a background check and “hearing things” about me that didn’t align with their values.

What’s throwing me off:

No name or official contact info

Came from a VOIP number flagged as high fraud risk

No update in the company’s application system or email

Tone felt unprofessional (called me “dear” and said “you will need it”)

I haven’t heard back from the actual interviewer yet.

Has anyone experienced something like this? Does this sound like a scam or just really unprofessional hiring?

I did reach out to the manager but no response yet.i also did give the manager my references and they all confirmed no one reached out to them so im really not sure what to make of this.