Remote Job Offer, is it a scam???

I applied for a remote position on Indeed on April 20th. I received a text on April 29th and was informed to click on the link provided to speak with HR. The link was for Microsoft Teams. I assumed that it would be a video interview, but I just chatted with a Talent Acquisition Specialist who proceeded to ask me normal interview questions. Once we did this I was then provided with a link to the company website and told to review it in the next 5-10 mins and then reply back once done. I reviewed the website and the company is located in Stockholm and I am in the US. After replying back I was sent to an online Microsoft Application Form that was timed and it had to be completed within 40 mins. Everything looks very legitimate and I continued filling out the form. Once I was done I was told that the conversation would be sent to the department head for evaluation and I would need to check back at 9 am. I received an email with an offer letter at 1:30 am and it all looked legitimate as well. I was contacted at 9am informing me that I got the position, but that they would have to send me a check to deposit to purchase the equipment. I have experienced this scam previously and voiced my concerns with them and I was informed that I can pay for the equipment and be reimbursed. He said they would accept a payment of half and $500 upon delivery, which would all be reimbursed when training begins. But he said that I had to order through their preferred supplier. Like I said, I have experienced this scam before, but if this one really is a scam, it is the most professional one that I have come across. The email address that I received with the offer letter and equipment list (that I requested) was all received from a company email address. I am cautious though because after multiple back and forth about my concerns, I asked if I could wait for the check to clear prior to purchasing my equipment and was given a response of, “I don’t know what to say to let you know this is not scam ?

If you feel this is a scam we wish you good luck” The bank that I use doesn’t allow me to deposit a check more than $500 through mobile deposit and I can’t make an ATM check deposit, which is the other way that he suggested. I have asked him what vendor I would make the purchase too and I haven’t heard back as of yet. I also brought up the fact that I planned on opening a new account with some money I had set aside and he voiced concerns with opening an account to deposit a check and that could take longer, which is why they prefer to use an existing account. If this is a scam, it is the best thought out and thorough scam for a remote position that I have seen yet. I am wondering if anyone else works remotely and had to order their equipment and be reimbursed, were you told to only order through their specific vendor? I haven’t worked remotely prior to this and I just lost my boyfriend to cirrhosis so the last thing I need is to be out $1,500 or $2,000 if the vendor does deliver the equipment and I have to provide $500 upon delivery. If you were able to pay for your own equipment and be reimbursed, did they let you make a partial payment? He claims that they do it this way because of people providing false information to receive the equipment and not following through with employment. Anyone have any advice? I am happy to share more information if needed. I would love to hear anyone’s opinion. The offer definitely sounds too good to be true, which is what concerns me even more as to it’s validity, but my other concern is; what if I don’t follow through and miss out on this opportunity?