This almost made me fall for it: [email protected]

I've been searching for jobs on Craigslist lately, and the good English, plus the connection to non-profits made me really want this job to be real. After posting it for advice on another forum, I got the counsel that it is a scam, and that I should post it here to warn others not to be duped. Here's the email I received:
Hello [my actual name],

Thank you for your response to my Job Advert on Craigslist.

The local position available as advertized is Area Coordinator. My work essentially is to assist large Multi-National Computer Companies in USA and UK and others to distribute and donate their used, but re-furbished and functional Desktop and Laptops Computers to Charity as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). CSR refers to operating a business in a manner that accounts for the social and environmental impact created by the business. Some see this simply as "charity or philanthropy"; but it is, essentially, a vital investment in a Company's future relevant to a business success and a compliance with government regulations.

I am contracted by large Multi-National Computer Companies, IT Companies and other Companies in different sectors, and paid a good fee, to locate and donate these used desktop and laptop computers to organizations and individuals inclined towards Charity and Humanitarian activities that will be needing them to enhance and strengthen their operations and projects. The humanitarian organizations will receive these desktop and laptop computers completely free from any charge or fee. Donating Companies receive lots of tax refunds from government on these computers and also saves on re-cycling costs. Like I mentioned on my advert page, my business is new and the business name, of which registration will be completed in 2 weeks, is PC Systems Dist. Co.

Your Job description:

(a). You will source for groups or organizations within your area that will be needing these used desktop and laptop computers and we shall make free donations to them. Such groups or organizations can be a church group, an orphanage, children/teen learning centers, schools, homes for the mentally/physically challenged, hockey team, sociology class, a shopping group, a food club, a yoga class, etc. A maximum of 6 computers can be donated to a single group or organization. After you have located a group or organization and their contact person, you will forward the details to me for follow up and assessment. Please note that the more computers I donate, the more income I make.

(b). You will coordinate the shipping of the Computers while in transit from the Companies to the receiving group or organization. After computers are shipped, I will forward the shipping details to you for effective monitoring until delivery is completed.

(c). You will make payments to the courier or freight companies for their shipping services before or after delivery of the computers are completed. Since these charges are the responsibility of the donating companies, they will mail a Check to you which you will process at your bank and then pay the shipping charges. This Check for shipping charges will be made out in your name and you will pay the charges after the Check is processed by your bank. I'll provide the payment instructions that you will need at any point.

(d) . You will also supervise other shipping [including payments] and deliveries on-going within and around your area even though the effort wasn't initiated by you.

Your Internet bills and Phone charges arising from making calls on behalf of my business will be my responsibility. This job's only requirement is that you have a computer, Internet connection and a valid phone number. This position is ideal for everybody...those working from home, students, the unemployed, business owners and the employed seeking to make an extra income. It's simple and rewarding and you can start right away.

Remuneration:
I will pay you $750 every week, making a monthly total of $3000. Your assignments will require that you visit offices and organizations and so you will receive an additional sum of $250 weekly as transport expense payment. Essentially, you will be required to work at least 1-2 hours daily. You will chose your work hour.

Confirm your acceptance of the above job terms by replying and typing "I ACCEPT", also providing your full names, cont act address [ not P.O Box ] and direct telephone numbers. Work commences upon your confirmation. We shall communicate via email and phone until we meet one on one within the next two weeks.

I look forward to hearing from you and to working with you.

Regards


--
Mario Cimarro
401 E Riverside Dr.
Eagle, ID 83616
Mobile #: 208-546-6631
Direct #: 208-629-4552
[email protected]

It couldn't be real for several reasons:

• Mario Cimarro is a Cuban actor. Probably has better things to do with his time than post jobs on Craigslist
• The pay would end up being about $75/hour, plus all travel expenses paid. This is more than some highly educated, specially trained people earn in their work.
• The job is offered to anyone who responds. No interview to make sure the person is right for the job, or anything. Just reply with "I accept," and you're in.
• If you email anything to that email address, the automatic response is the entire email I just copied and pasted above. Try it.
• He's willing to hire even though his business name hasn't been registered yet.

According to the advice I was given, "this is an elaborate scam that wants to make you a "mule" : you are supposed to bank their fake cheques and send the money - minus your "fee" - to them via Western Union.
Eventually - maybe after months - the bank will come after you for the money, and very likely also the police.
Plus they want you to handle stolen goods, and you will be held responsible when the police find out."

Sadly, there are psychopaths out there who are willing to take advantage of people desperate for work.

Too bad, I was looking forward to meeting the heart throb, Mario Cimarro, in person!