Jack Kern tells The Associated Press that his son, Timothy Kern, was promised $300 a week, a trailer and a truck for the job near Caldwell in Noble County.
Jack Kern says his son was excited about the job because of the chance of bettering his life and helping his three sons.
Kern believes the outlook is grim because his son was never out of touch for long.
One man who replied to the bogus ad was found dead in Noble County last week. Another said he escaped after being shot.