In the never ending struggle to unmask fraudulent work-from-home schemes---and there are many thousand----one will stand out above others occasionally as a penultimate example of all that is wrong with a job opportunity.
The operant word being wrong, as in red flags flying, unintelligible communication with the company---and finally, a simple search taking thirty seconds revealing personal experience by others who 'worked' for the company in the past---scam, scam, scam, they report. But what happens? You guessed it----Despite the clear warnings, hundreds of folks sign up, eager to make much needed income.
Here is the letter of introduction which will arrive in your email. And if you are currently searching for work at home opportunities, you will probably read it. Fine, just read through it several more times before you do something you will regret.
'Dear ________
I am Stanley Jackson and I hire for Human resources department of Sullivan & Myers Co.
Please find more information on our firm and the position.
Sullivan & Myers have more than 10 years of experience in paper printing, as well as in advertising services. We specialize in both small and high budget publishing solutions. After the global fianance crysis, advertising market has suffered drastic changes.We are in need of the a person to represent us in your State.
At this moment we are hiring for Customer service Department.
JOB TITLE : Junior Packing Specialist progressed to State representative
JOB TYPE : Part time
As the Junior Packing Specialist, you will generally work with packages and correspondence. You will need to perform all the computer invoices and manage state delivery requests.
Duties
:: contact with clients
:: resolve customer issues
:: manage and control parcel flow
:: perform all the paperwork including monthly reports
:: provide help with starting of your local office
REQUIREMENTS
:: US citizenship or valid US visa
:: excellent skills and experience with (MS Word, Excel and
Outlook| Microsoft Office)
:: perfect communication skills
:: ability to work solely and as part of a team
ADVANTAGES
:: full training provided
:: career opportunity
:: flexible working schedule time commitment is set at 3-4 hours per day
If you would like to apply for the position please submit your CV and inquires in reply.
We will contact you in 2-3 working days.
PS: We are sending you this offer as you have registered as a jobseeker on
a 3rd party website which have provided your contact detailes. Our company will not contact you anymore unless requested.'
====
Yours faithfully, HR Dpt.
S&M Company
How's this for a professional letter? How about that sentence '...global financial crysis...'? And Junior Packing Specialist leading to 'State Representative'? What the hell is that?
So, if the bells are not going off in your head yet, just do a quick Google search on the company name.....here is what comes up from a former Representative:
"I found an ad on Craigslist from them to do packaging and get paid a pretty hefty sum to do so out of my house. After filling out the application and purposely ommitting my SS#, I got an email back saying the paperwork has been process and I am a candidate for the position. How did they do this without my SS#?
I got another email asking if I would like the position, paying $25,000 for 10 hours a week packing boxes and shipping them out, so of course I responded Yes! I got another email back with a contract. Yes a contract. By this time, I had not provided my SS# and they send me a contract (in a previous email they state they do background checks...kida hard without the correct info).
By now Im hesitant more than before. I google their name, nothing comes up; flag 1. I google their address, it's for a different company; flag 2. I call the phone numbers on their website, 2 don't work, the third is a digital mailbox; flag 3. Their website says they are BBB accredited, I check the BBB and nothing comes up under their name, website or phone number; flag 4. I ask the recruiter to call me, says she will after I sign the contract; flag 5. The only place an Atlanta based company advertises is on Miami Craigslist; flag 6.
To me, this company is a front for an identity theft ring. That is my opinion and not a proven fact."
Bingo! All they want is your identity----likely to sell it to some other nefarious organization---and sooner or later, some awful financial smackdown will happen with someone else using your identity. It might be anything---credit cards in your name, a mortgage---anything.
Pay attention to details. Even if you desparately need the work, do not act against your own interests.
The Sullivan and Meyers scenario should be a no-brainer. But, they continue on, along with a spate of better organized and orchestrated frauds. Take the time and make a few calls to find information about any company you are considering working with. Be diligent. No one is looking out for you---so be your own best advocate.
Recent Comments