Employment scam: Executive Assistant-Lukas Svensson

I received this email...and it seemed legit, because it's a real jewellery company in Norway (Thune). However, i emailed the company and they said they are not opening any future stores in US/Canada. i'm glad I followed my instincts...

Here is what the email said...

Hello! How are you today? I got your response to executive assistant position.

Well.. Please, let me introduce myself first. My name is Lukas Svensson. You may call me just Lukas. I am the head of Thune US department and directly I need assistant..

THUNE is European company with head office in Norway. And we plan open working branches in Canada in some weeks and US in some months. Our jewelry house is in the top ten Norwegian brands of sales jewelry and watches. This is our official website: http://www.thune.no

I'll tell you about myself a little... I work about 9 years in Thune. I'm 37 y.o. I was born and lived here in Norway. Therefore, my native language is Norwegian. But I can speak English too.

4 months ago we made Thune US/CA department and began to prepare for the branch opening in Canada and United States..

We will rent office space and will open web store with warehouse. And I need assistant to help me. I want to open branch near your area.

I'm still in Europe in this moment. We have about month before our great arrival to the Canada. Final preparations.

I don't want to waste time and decided to start searching my assistant already. I will be very happy to talk with you about this opportunity!

I want to call you to have some small interview later. Are you ok with it? Time difference is huge.. about 9 hours.. I want to give you chance to get my assistant position with a salary $90K/year and make a career in Thune!

Do you have cell phone with on-line access to your email? If you will be my assistant, I need that you can receive my emails anytime a day and have opportunity to answer quickly too. I don't want wait your answers by hours. Is it no problem for you?

(Second Email)
Now about job details. Will come in Canada in a month by plan with my team. We need to finish all affairs here in Oslo and collect all goods which we will sell in Canada.

Your tasks will be (examples):
- to work with estate agents;
- office space search and prices;
- office furniture search;
- warehouse rent;
- purchase of computer equipment;
- search for housing (me and my team from Oslo);
and so on..

You will be involved in all small but important affairs of the branch. I don't want to spend time on such things when will arrive in Canada. I want you to have already found an office space, furniture, computer equipment before my arrival.

Everyday you will need to perform tasks and write report in the end of each day 5 days a week. Week-end is week-end. I need to know what are you doing in a day-time. So you will write all affairs by hours: where you go, what are you doing. Ok? This is not so hard to do.

First month you will need to work remotely. Your instruments will be cell phone and email. You will receive tasks from me every day. I will be sending you financial resources on all your working expenses too.

I will write you all directions by myself. Office will be based in your city. There will be no affairs outside your city first time. So don't worry. The typical working hours will be 9:00 a.m. - 5 p.m.

You will get your salary once in a 30 days. You will have vacation days paid and sick days paid also. All Tax forms we will fill after I come and sign a contract with local law firm.

If you have any questions, please write them.

Thank you for your time! Have a great day!

Will call you and talk with you later.

[AlanJones]

Thanks for posting. Can you please post the email addresses that the scammer is using as other victims may be searching for them.

The scammer is a native speaker of some European language, but it is not Germanic (Norwegian and English are both Germanic) or Italo-Western Romance.

As Alan said, please post the email address. Better yet, post the complete headers.

I received exactly the same email and in my case I did more move before I check your web site.
This scammer send me agreement contract and I singed it. What I have to do now? I have talk with him by phone and e-mail. I’m not sure what to do now? And what kind of consequences I’ll have..

Post the text of the agreement and the complete headers of the email. Then ignore all further contact attempts from the scammer.

You may receive a check. If it comes by US Mail, bring it unopened to the US Postal Inspection Service. If it comes by FedEx, UPS, or the like, contact the carrier's fraud department.

You may receive a transfer into your bank account. If this happens, print out all emails you've received from the scammer, show them to the fraud department of your bank, and do not withdraw any money for any reason until the fraudulent transfer is sent back where it came from.

Hello everyone,

I also received the mentioned e-mail, the offer letter and employment agreement.

Can someone please explain to me what the possible scam here could be? Right now my task is to check on office space and create a list with realtors. That doesn't sound so bad......

Here is the offer letter and below the employment agreement

Offer letter:
Consulted with current us legislation jurisdiction for policies and procedures of organization.
[email protected]
03.22.2016
Lukas Svensson
Stortingsgaten 6 0157
Oslo, Norway
RE: JOB OFFER LETTER – Executive Assistant
Dear Ms. *********,
Following our recent discussions, we are delighted to offer you the position of project
assistant with Thune. When you mention Thune, you can't help thinking about a cuttingedge
brand that can anticipate trends and set new style rules. Our brand is always aware
of consumer preferences, but we are ready to turn them upside down thanks to new and
amazing offers. If you join Thune, you will become part of a fast-paced and dedicated
team that works together to provide our clients with the highest possible level of service
and advice.
As a member of Thune team, we would ask for your commitment to deliver outstanding
quality and results that exceed client expectations. In addition, we expect your personal
accountability in all the products, actions, advice and results that you provide as a
representative of Thune. In return, we are committed to providing you with every
opportunity to learn, grow and stretch to the highest level of your ability and potential.
We are confident you will find this new opportunity both challenging and rewarding. The
following points outline the terms and conditions we are proposing.
Title: Executive Assistant
Job description: Work will be remote first month before arrival of Mr. Svensson and his
team. You will have organization tasks. All tasks are clear, specific and
not difficult. Mr. Svensson will explain all details in following
conversations with you.
Start date: 02.24.2016
Salary: 90.000 US dollars per annum
Consulted with current us legislation jurisdiction for policies and procedures of organization.
[email protected]
Employee Benefits Include:
- 4 weeks per annum
- MSP
- Group Insurance
- Short/Long Term Disability
- Dental Care
- Health Care
Hours of work: 40 hours of work per week
Vacation: Vacation is assigned to end of each working year. Period of vacation is 1
month.
Following the initial probationary period, a progression and performance review will be
conducted on a quarterly basis to assess performance to-date, and to clarify or modify
this arrangement, as the need may arise.
This arrangement may be terminated by either party upon notice in writing to either
party with notice that complies with Employment Standards (or Labor Standards).
We look forward to the opportunity to work with you in an atmosphere that is successful
and mutually challenging and rewarding.
Sincerely,
Lukas Svensson
Thune CA branch head
Please sign this letter and return by 02.23.2016 to indicate your acceptance of this letter.
___________________________ ______________________
Name Date

employment agreement

Consulted with current us legislation jurisdiction for policies and procedures of organization.
[email protected]
THIS AGREEMENT is made March 24, 2016, between Thune corporation
incorporated under the laws of the Canada (the "Employer"); and ****************,
(the "Employee").
WHEREAS the Employer desires to obtain the benefit of the services of the
Employee, and the Employee desires to render such services on the terms and
conditions set forth.
IN CONSIDERATION of the promises and other good and valuable consideration
(the sufficiency and receipt of which are hereby acknowledged) the parties agree
as follows:
1. Employment
The Employee agrees that he will at all times faithfully, industriously, and to the
best of his skill ability, experience and talents, perform all of the duties required
of his position. In carrying out these duties and responsibilities, the Employee
shall comply with all Employer policies, procedures, rules and regulations, both
written and oral, as are announced by the Employer from time. It is also
understood and agreed to by the Employee that his assignment, duties and
responsibilities and reporting arrangements may be changed by the Employer in
its sole discretion without causing termination of this agreement.
Reporting lines
**************** reports to Lukas Svensson.
Salary
The annual salary of Employee is $90000 US Dollars for the first year.
Salary increases will be negotiated to take effect at the beginning of each renewal
period.
2. Position Title
As an Executive Assistant, the Employee is required to perform the following
duties and undertake to following responsibilities in a professional manner.
Consulted with current us legislation jurisdiction for policies and procedures of organization.
[email protected]
a) Produces information by transcribing, formatting, inputting, editing,
retrieving, copying, and transmitting text, data, and graphics.
b) Conserves executive's time by reading, researching, and routing
correspondence; drafting letters and documents; collecting and analyzing
information; initiating telecommunications.
c) Maintains executive's appointment schedule by planning and scheduling
meetings, conferences, teleconferences, and travel.
d) Represents the executive by attending meetings in the executive's absence;
speaking for the executive.
e) Welcomes guests and customers by greeting them, in person or on the
telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
f) Maintains customer confidence and protects operations by keeping
information confidential.
g) Completes projects by assigning work to clerical staff; following up on
results.
h) Prepares reports by collecting and analyzing information.
i) Secures information by completing data base backups.
j) Provides historical reference by developing and utilizing filing and retrieval
systems; recording meeting discussions.
k) Maintains office supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory
level; anticipating needed supplies; evaluating new office products; placing
and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
l) Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance
requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting
malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories;
evaluating new equipment and techniques.
m) Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational
workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal
networks; participating in professional societies.
n) Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
o) Other duties as may arise from time to time as may be assigned to the
employee.
Work hours/schedule
The standard hours of work for Employer are 40 hours per week. Employees are
compensated for work time that exceeds standard hours at a rate of 1.5 times
their regular hourly rate provided that overtime work is approved in advance by.
3. Compensation
The employee will be reimbursed for travel and other expenses incurred to while
carrying out their responsibilities on behalf of Employer provided these expenses
are approved in advance by (Title of position with the authority to approve
expenses). Employer may also cover fees for membership in professional
associations.
Consulted with current us legislation jurisdiction for policies and procedures of organization.
[email protected]
(a) As full compensation for all services provided the employee shall be paid at
the full rate. Such payments shall be subject to such normal statutory
deductions by the Employer.
(b) All reasonable expenses arising out of employment shall be reimbursed
assuming same have been authorized prior to being incurred and with the
provision of appropriate receipts.
(c) Employer pays an allowance to the Employee for use of the employee’s car
for business purposes.
4. Vacation
The Employee shall be entitled to vacations in the amount of 4 weeks per annum.
5. Benefits
Employee will receive payment equivalent to 25% of salary in lieu of benefits plus
Employer will make a contribution on behalf of Employee to Retirement Savings
Plan equal to 22% of Employee’s annual salary.
6. Probation Period
It is understood and agreed that the first ninety days of employment shall
constitute a probationary period during which period the Employer may, in its
absolute discretion, terminate the Employee's employment, for any reason
without notice or cause.
7. Performance Reviews
The Employee will be provided with written performance appraisal at least once
per year and said appraisal will be reviewed at which time all aspects of the
assessment can be fully discussed.
8. Termination
a) The Employee may at any time terminate this agreement and his
employment by giving not less than two weeks written notice to the
Employer.
b) The Employer may terminate this Agreement and the Employee's
employment at any time, without notice or payment in lieu of notice, for
sufficient cause.
c) The Employer may terminate the employment of the Employee at any time
without the requirement to show sufficient cause pursuant to (b) above,
provided the Employer pays to the Employee an amount as required by the
Employment Standards Act 2000 or other such legislation as may be in effect
at the time of termination. This payment shall constitute the employees
entire entitlement arising from said termination.
Consulted with current us legislation jurisdiction for policies and procedures of organization.
[email protected]
d) The employee agrees to return any property of Thune at the time of
termination.
9. Non- Competition
It is further acknowledged and agreed that following termination of the
employee's employment with Thune for any reason the employee shall not hire
or attempt to hire any current employees of Thune.
It is further acknowledged and agreed that following termination of the
employee's employment with Thune for any reason the employee shall not solicit
business from current clients or clients who have retained Thune in the 6 month
period immediately preceding the employee's termination.
10. Laws
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of Canada.
11. Independent Legal Advice
The Employee acknowledges that the Employer has provided the Employee with
a reasonable opportunity to obtain independent legal advice with respect to this
agreement, and that either:
a) The Employee has had such independent legal advice prior to executing this
agreement, or;
b) The Employee has willingly chosen not to obtain such advice and to execute
this agreement without having obtained such advice.
12. Entire Agreement
This agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties, superseding
in all respects any and all prior oral or written agreements or understandings
pertaining to the employment of the Employee by the Employer and shall be
amended or modified only by written instrument signed by both of the parties
hereto.
13. Severability
The parties hereto agree that in the event any articles or part thereof of this
agreement is held to be unenforceable or invalid theт said article or part shall be
struck and all remaining provision shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Employer has caused this agreement to be executed
by its duly authorized and the Employee has set his hand as of the date first
above written.
SIGNED AND DELIVERED in the presence of:
Consulted with current us legislation jurisdiction for policies and procedures of organization.
[email protected]
Employee head of Thune Canada
department
***************** Lukas Svensson
_________________________ _________________________
signature signature

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Date: Thu, 24 Mar 2016 20:54:22 +0300
From: "Lukas Svensson (Stortingsgaten 6 0157 Norway)" <[email protected]>
Organization: Thune NORWAY
X-Priority: 3 (Normal)
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
To: "*****************************************"
Subject: So today is your first day!
In-Reply-To: <trinity-e9228c3a-e0b5-4127-abba-47c4697f0d40-1458794445176@3capp-gmx-bs69>
References: <[email protected]> <trinity-3799c574-72b2-425c-9b80-fb5a3df81a8a-1458581697898@3capp-gmx-bs14>, <[email protected]> <trinity-352450eb-7b27-40b4-9a0c-34abb7ccb477-1458688109514@3capp-gmx-bs21>, <[email protected]> <trinity-2c113116-864e-4e0e-b711-eea02816f1e0-1458756421276@3capp-gmx-bs69>, <[email protected]> <trinity-e9228c3a-e0b5-4127-abba-47c4697f0d40-1458794445176@3capp-gmx-bs69>
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The salary is out of range for the work they say they want you to perform. Scammers sometimes ask you to perform ordinary-looking work before they assign the scam tasks.

thune.us was registered just over a month ago for only one year by someone with a Russian name claiming to be in Florida. It is nameserved and mailhosted in Russia, but the email was sent from Portugal.

"vonpaso xlura"The salary is out of range for the work they say they want you to perform. Scammers sometimes ask you to perform ordinary-looking work before they assign the scam tasks.

thune.us was registered just over a month ago for only one year by someone with a Russian name claiming to be in Florida. It is nameserved and mailhosted in Russia, but the email was sent from Portugal.

I noticed the salary issue... that's what got me suspicious in the first place, because the original job posting talked about something around 60.000 (CDN $ though) what was reasonable. And of course the tasks I am supposed to perform right now wouldn't be worth even that but it fits in the job description and would be a task in the range of an EA (considering that there is a development in the range of responsibilities). So but you are saying the mail was send from Portugal, I received a phone call from Sweden (not Norway) and obviously the russian guy with the server in allegedly Florida looks weird.

Is there something I can try to make sure I am not wasting my time? (You know the last thing that dies is hope ) Thanks and cheers

I also got a whole bunch of pictures sent to me with what the office space is about to look like. I am wondering if that is not really a bit too excessive for a scam preparation? I mean really, what can they gain, how much money can they possibly make out of me?

[AlanJones]

You are one of possibly 100s of victims that they will be in touch with, if they make a few hundred $ off of 10, 20 or perhaps 50 people then it's well worth stealing a few pictures of the Internet to back up their story.

You are one of possibly 100s of victims that they will be in touch with, if they make a few hundred $ off of 10, 20 or perhaps 50 people then it's well worth stealing a few pictures of the Internet to back up their story.

It is sad and I, of course, wished it was legit. Btw my first suspicion was the blown up salary and then I talked with this guy on the phone and I am from Germany so I knew right away that he had not the slightest Norwegian accent.... more middle eastern. I also checked the phone number he called from, if it was a fake number than he mistakenly used the Swedish country code, not the Norwegian. Unfortunately the tasks I am supposed to do now are to time consuming that I won't waste my time (especially since I am very likely not getting paid, lol) trying to find out when it starts and how they do go about it.

if they make a few hundred $

Can You explain me how they can steal money for us?
And honestly what is the reason to receive "reports" of my work ? How come he or they want to spend time to answer to everyone and make a conversation..

if they make a few hundred $

Can You explain me how they can steal money for us?
And honestly what is the reason to receive "reports" of my work ? How come he or they want to spend time to answer to everyone and make a conversation..

Are you also in Calgary or are you in a different city in North America?

in Calgary