Company Representative scams, Payment Processing scams and other Employment scams.
by SK30 Wed Feb 15, 2012 5:17 pm
I received this email yesterday and I had an interview with them today. The flag for me was that no legitimate company will send an email using yahoo. However, I still proceeded with the interview to check the legitimacy. I added the person on yahoo messenger with the id [email protected] (please beware). The name of the company is Advance Computer Solutions ltd. They have a website called www.acsolutionsltd.co.uk.

The lady sent me an offer letter within 15 mins of our chat!!!! She said I will be trained for two weeks with USD 15 per hour and then on I will receive USD 23 per hour and within two months I will be the employee of the Company. It was fine till then. But later she told me that they will be providing all the necessary equipment for the job which included laptops, printers and what not. She said they will send a check to me worth USD 2500 and I will have to buy the equipment.

This is when I realized its a big scam. I asked her how could they trust some anonymous person with money and the person didn't reply. I insisted that she gave me a number to get in touch with. She gave me a number 321-352-5327, i tried calling but it went to voicemail and it was a man's voice. I told her I am not interested in the job and it is best that she doesn't send me any check. She went offline immediately after I made this statement.

Although, I did not encourage this scamster further I am only skeptical about a couple of things. They have my mailing address and the name of the bank I have an account with. Beyond this I did not provide them with any other information. They do not have any other details like account number or type of account or debit / atm card number or where the account was opened. I did not disclose any other details to them.

Immediately after the lady went offline, I called my bank and told them about the incident and told them that an unknown person has my mailing address to which they put my account on fraud alert. I hope I dont get into trouble because of this. I have also just typed my initials on an agreement which they sent me. I am enclosing a copy of the agreement (right after the emails below). What if they do send me a check? What do I do then? Please help.

Please check the emails, they sent me:

FIRST EMAIL:

"Dawn Longley [email protected]
Feb 14 (1 day ago)

Dear Applicant,

We have reviewed your resume on THERECRUITERNETWORK and believe you could qualify for this position. We have forwarded your resume to the Head of Operation. Mrs HELEN CARLOS of Advance Computer Solutions . She would like to Conduct an online interview with you 02/15/2012 between 9:00AM -2:00 PM EST to discuss more about the ACCOUNTING CLERK Position that you are yet to occupy.

Set Up a Screen name with the yahoo Instant Messenger online at www.messenger.yahoo.com and add up the Head of Operation screen name: helencarlos115 to your buddy list.

Her Screen Name with Yahoo Instant Messenger is: helencarlos115

Email Address: [email protected]

She will be waiting to talk to you on yahoo messenger right away.Endeavor to get online ASAP.

Contact Mrs HELEN CARLORS the email Below to let her know if the time frame works for you [email protected] If you got any problems feel free to email back.

Human Resource Dept."

SECOND EMAIL:

"Helen Carlos [email protected]
9:12 AM (3 hours ago)

Advance Computer Solutions

We specialise in IT support for small to medium sized businesses, endeavouring at all times to deliver the best possible affordable solutions in Computer Systems, PC Repairs, Computer Upgrades, Support and Maintenance, Website Design, Web Hosting and e-Commerce solutions
to our valued customers.

If you have a small to medium IT system and cannot justify a full time IT Manager, but would like independent and professional guidance at a reasonable cost then we can help.
SERVICE=============

Advance Computer Solutions offer a range of services including:

Some of the services we offer:

Upgrades
Slow System Speed-ups
Data Recovery
Virus Removal
Software Repairs
Consultancy
AVG
System Rebuilds
Networking
WiFi Setup
Maintenance Contracts
PC Health Checks
Backup Solutions
Web Design

Something else you need? Just ask.

If it can be done it will be ... professionally and with a smile!

Whatever your needs Advance Computer Solutions is here to help.


JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Entering all checks vouchers and payment in appropriate account ;Maintains accurate records of all Receivables and Payable's Developing, analyzing, and maintaining financial reporting systems in general accounting, budget or cost systems.Responsible forcompiling amounts owed from purchase orders, charge slips, sales tickets etc


BRIEFING SUMMARY
You will be enlisted for 2 weeks training programme. Find Training programme details below:

*You will have to be online from 9am to 12pm daily for training programmes as you will be given series of tasks during training.

*You will resume work fully after training and your working hours will be 8am - 4pm your time zone.

*Whether or not you have an assignment or task to carry out you will be paid for $18/hr and for 8hrs a day as long as you are online during the stated hours.

*You have to keep strict record of time and activities. A time sheet should be sent in every Friday's days for monitoring (In your own format).

*In carrying out any assignment or task a progress report has to be emailed every Friday to me.

*You are paid weekly.

*There is no start up cost, the training would be administered on line, this is an Internet based position, and the base pay is $18 per hour During training and $23 per hour after training.

*Either party is free to terminate at any time with notice.

*At the end of your training, you will receive a 1099 form at the end of the year as you are listed as an Independent contractor.

*Benefits include: 401k, health and dental, paid vacation and 2 weeks sick leave you will be enrolled for this benefits

after 2months after which you would become a regular employee of company.

WORKING EQUIPMENTS
Equipments will be provided for you by the Company asap. This includes a Hp Laptop/Notebook for mobility and some other software for accuracy, Speed of data processing, Time Monitoring and Effectiveness,(4 in one Zebra ZM 400vvBarcode Printer and Cards,Fax Machine,Scanner,Photocopier Machine, 4Drawer Cabinet and Office Desk).

Details on the Uses and delivery of these equipments would be provided to you ASAP.

You would be Given the Following to start work with after training:
* Staff User Name and Password for Our Website Link ( For easy access to company data and task for each day )


Employment Supervisor:

I have a Couple of Question to ask you before i make my Employment Decision

Are you capable of handling this position?

Are you currently employed?


How well do you work under pressure?

What do you understand by privacy and code of conduct?


Do you have any form of disability How well do you relate with people?


What do you understand by charge back?


What is your strongest point as an individual?


Rate your self on a scale of 1-5 based on the following MATHEMATICAL ACCURACY, SPELLING ACCURACY,TYPING SPEED,STATISTICAL ACCURACY?


Will you be able to dedicate 7hours of your time to this position Mon-Fri?"

AGREEMENT:

"Advance Computer Solutions
2 Lansdowne Crescent
Poole, Dorset , BH1 1SA
Telephone 01202 244513

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT LETTER

Date ?02/15/2012

Dear SK,

We are pleased to confirm you’re being employed by our firm in the capacity of Data Entry Assistant. You will report directly to Helen Carlos with your start of employment on February 15th, 2012.

Your salary shall be Paid $23 per hour; you will also be covered by the standard group benefit plans and fringe benefits, which will be explained to you. For the first year vacation time shall be pro-rated, so you will be entitled to 21 Working days vacation for this year.

If you agree, please sign the enclosed copy and return for our files.

We look forward to your joining the company.


…………………………
Employee's Signature

Yours very truly,
Mr David Coleman
Chief Executive Officer

------------------------------------------------------------
Disclaimer
------------------------------------------------------------
This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual
named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. If you have received this e-mail by mistake, please notify the sender
immediately by e-mail and delete this e-mail from your system."
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by SK30 Wed Feb 15, 2012 5:48 pm
Thank you cutelily for your reply on my posts. I haven't really given out any details to them apart from my mailing address and the name of the bank. I hope that it is not a matter of critical concern, especially since I have informed my bank as well. But in case I do get check from unknown sources I will inform the police immediately. Please take a look at my conversation with the scammer.

MY ENTIRE CONVERSATION WITH THE SCAMMER


8:55:43 AM
me: Good Morning Miss Carlos
8:56:34 AM
helencarlos115: Good morning SK
8:56:37 AM
helencarlos115: How you doing today?
8:57:02 AM
me: I'm good thank you for asking. How are you?
8:57:18 AM
helencarlos115: Good to hear,am doing just great thanks for asking
8:58:14 AM
helencarlos115: I believe you are scheduled for an online interview?
8:58:24 AM
me: Yes.
8:58:38 AM
helencarlos115: Are you aware that this is strictly an online work from home?
8:59:04 AM
me: Well, no I was not aware of that. but I wouldn't mind exploring this option
8:59:14 AM
helencarlos115: Sure.
8:59:54 AM
me: I am not aware of what the job responsibilities are exactly, the email did not specify it clearly except for the name of the position.
9:01:43 AM
helencarlos115: We specialise in IT support for small to medium sized businesses, endeavouring at all times to deliver the best possible affordable solutions in Computer Systems, PC Repairs, Computer Upgrades, Support and Maintenance, Website Design, Web Hosting and e-Commerce solutions
to our valued customers.
9:02:15 AM
me: Ok.
9:04:00 AM
helencarlos115: If you have a small to medium IT system and cannot justify a full time IT Manager, but would like independent and professional guidance at a reasonable cost then we can help.
9:05:17 AM
me: Ok. That sounds great.
9:05:40 AM
helencarlos115: Good to hear
9:06:59 AM
me: So the position you are looking to fill is that of an accountant to reconcile, manage, report your day-to-day and periodic transactions.
9:07:22 AM
helencarlos115: Absolutely correct
9:07:32 AM
helencarlos115: May i have your most preferred email address
9:07:44 AM
me: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
9:08:13 AM
helencarlos115: I will send you an email right away.
9:08:19 AM
me: Ok.
9:12:07 AM
helencarlos115: Sent
9:12:25 AM
me: Ok, I have received it. Let me check
9:12:29 AM
helencarlos115: Ok.
9:16:54 AM
me: Do you want me to reply to the questions via email or should I answer them here?
9:17:40 AM
helencarlos115: Via email.
9:18:19 AM
me: ok. I will let you know as soon as i reply. Please give me a few minutes
9:18:46 AM
helencarlos115: Sure. Take your time
IM Feb 15, 2012 10:00:23 AM
9:43:39 AM
me: Sent
9:44:23 AM
helencarlos115: Received!
9:46:06 AM
me: There are a few things that I would like to ask.
9:46:14 AM
helencarlos115: Sure...
9:48:32 AM
me: I am here on F1 visa. I finished my Masters in December. My Masters comes under the Math section of US Immigration Service (USCIS). Therefore, I am authorized to work in the United States for a period of 29 months under the "post-completion optional practical training" period without sponsorship.
9:50:41 AM
me: I was wondering if you will be providing me a letter employment or a letter of engagement for me to submit to USCIS for their record
9:51:08 AM
helencarlos115: Yes sure we will come to that, you shouldn't have any worries.
9:51:52 AM
me: ok. I just wanted to be sure before we proceed in order to save our time.
9:52:16 AM
helencarlos115: Thanks for the clarification.
9:52:27 AM
helencarlos115: I want you to send me your full name address, phone number and two (2) references to [email protected] so i can send you the employment letter to sign and also create an employee profile for you.
9:52:57 AM
me: ok sure
9:55:40 AM
me: Do you require professional references or personal?
9:56:06 AM
helencarlos115: Both
9:57:24 AM
me: As for professional references I can provide you email addresses of my previous employers, that is XXXX and XXX because they are in Mumbai. However, I do not think I will be able to provide their phone numbers without their consent. I will need some time before I can share that with you.
9:57:46 AM
helencarlos115: That shouldn't be a problem.
9:57:52 AM
me: ok.
9:58:18 AM
me: Do you have a website I can refer to.
9:58:59 AM
helencarlos115: www.acsolutionsltd.co.uk
9:59:53 AM
me: Thank you.
9:59:59 AM
helencarlos115: You are welcome
10:00:21 AM
me: I will be sending you the email soon.
10:00:23 AM
helencarlos115: Good
IM Feb 15, 2012 10:37:32 AM
10:12:17 AM
me: sent
10:12:30 AM
helencarlos115: Received!
10:12:57 AM
me: Are you based out of UK?
10:13:14 AM
helencarlos115: Yes i am currently working from home in Texas
10:13:31 AM
me: Ok
10:14:48 AM
helencarlos115: I will email your Agreement letter
10:14:55 AM
me: ok.
10:19:46 AM
helencarlos115: I will like you confirm your full names,full home address and cell#. Have it sent via email
10:21:42 AM
me: Ok.
10:22:03 AM
me: i have not received it yet
10:22:16 AM
helencarlos115: I want you email those to me
10:22:21 AM
me: ok
10:24:48 AM
me: Sent
10:25:32 AM
helencarlos115: Received
10:26:14 AM
helencarlos115: what city
10:26:20 AM
me: XXXXX
10:26:30 AM
me: Sorry, I didnt mention that
10:26:51 AM
me: Do you want me to send it again?
10:27:06 AM
helencarlos115: Yes please do
10:30:40 AM
me: Sent
10:30:48 AM
helencarlos115: Received!
10:30:57 AM
helencarlos115: Sending Agreement letter
10:31:01 AM
me: Ok
10:31:57 AM
helencarlos115: Sent
10:32:19 AM
me: Received
10:32:30 AM
helencarlos115: I will be on stand by!
10:36:26 AM
helencarlos115: Sign it with a pen and scan it
10:36:58 AM
helencarlos115: Ok?
10:37:32 AM
me: I do not have a scanner with me to scan it and send it to you.
IM Feb 15, 2012 10:51:16 AM
10:37:56 AM
helencarlos115: Oh ok
10:38:04 AM
helencarlos115: Have it signed digitally
10:39:45 AM
me: Ok, I am just going to type my initials there. But before we proceed, I am given to understand by your email that this is not a contractual employment. Is that correct? And also I am not comfortable providing my bank account details to you. Only detail I am ok to share is the name of the bank.
10:40:25 AM
helencarlos115: Yes
10:42:40 AM
me: Did you receive my email?
10:42:45 AM
helencarlos115: Yes received!
10:42:49 AM
me: Ok
10:42:58 AM
helencarlos115: You will be undergoing a 2 day orientation which will commence as soon as you have all working materials and you are rest assured that you will be paid for it okay
10:43:14 AM
me: Ok.
10:43:40 AM
helencarlos115: You will need some Data entry/Accounting software and also a time tarcker to commence your training and orientation and also you need the software to get started with work...the work of the time tarcker is to calculate your hours worked since this is an online work from home. The funds for the software will be provided for you by the company via check .....
10:45:46 AM
me: Ok.
10:46:06 AM
me: I just need some more clarity on how this is going to proceed.
10:46:11 AM
me: I have a few questions
10:46:23 AM
helencarlos115: Please proceed with your questions.
10:46:56 AM
me: Will the accounting / data entry software be provided by you?
10:47:23 AM
helencarlos115: Yes sure
10:47:28 AM
me: Is it a web-link or will it be physically shipped to me?
10:47:47 AM
helencarlos115: Physically shipped to you
10:47:55 AM
me: Ok.
10:48:26 AM
me: Will the training be a webcam session or just an online chat session?
10:48:44 AM
helencarlos115: Online chat session and email
10:48:52 AM
me: Ok.
10:49:51 AM
me: What else will be sent to me for the work?
10:50:12 AM
helencarlos115: Your working equipments
10:50:28 AM
helencarlos115: make sure you use them as instructed for the software okay.
10:50:38 AM
helencarlos115: As soon as the check its been issued out to you i will notify you and provide you with the tracking number so you can keep track and know when it will get to you.
10:50:49 AM
helencarlos115: What bank do you currently use?
10:51:11 AM
me: Ok and just in case of termination of employment from either side, how will I return the equipment?
10:51:16 AM
me: I use Bank of America
IM Feb 15, 2012 11:03:53 AM
10:52:26 AM
helencarlos115: You will be needing them as yours.
10:54:23 AM
me: I didn't quite understand? I mean in case of termination of employment from your side, or in case I quit the job, where will I return the equipment?
10:54:52 AM
me: Is there a contact number through which I can get in touch with you for any queries?
10:54:55 AM
helencarlos115: You will be provided with an address, but i don't think that will happen
10:55:10 AM
me: Ok
10:55:17 AM
helencarlos115: You are required to be online Tomorrow morning at 9am for briefing on what to do when the check arrives and i should have the tracking number by tomorrow Make sure you report online tomorrow morning at 9am your time for update and when the check for the purchase of the require training materials will be delivered and instruction on what to do when it arrives ok
10:56:01 AM
me: Ok. So you will be sending me a check to purchase the equipment?
10:56:45 AM
helencarlos115: Yes
10:57:06 AM
me: What would be the amount of the check?
10:57:26 AM
helencarlos115: Not sure but it should be $2k plus
10:58:27 AM
me: Is here a number through which I can get in touch with you?
10:59:07 AM
helencarlos115: This is an online work from home position
10:59:57 AM
me: I understand, but it's just that I have a few concerns as to how an anonymous person can be trusted with the equipment, check, software of the company.
11:00:34 AM
helencarlos115: 321 352 5327
11:01:48 AM
me: Helen, I think it's best that I do not accept this offer since it seems like a lot of responsibility
11:01:55 AM
me: and hence, it will be better if you do not send me the check for now
11:02:39 AM
helencarlos115: ok
11:03:53 AM
me: However, I really appreciate your offer and your time. But buying the equipment by myself seems like a big responsibility, which I am not comfortable doing without supervision of the Company authorities. This entire conversation and the nature of details that are being asked, especially bank account numbers, has got me thinking about the legitimacy of your company, it’s offer and intentions!

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