Job scam quick guide: it's a scam if...

  • they want you to collect and forward money in any way (a "money mule" job). You'll wind up engaged in money laundering, personally defrauded via expertly forged cheques, money orders, etc, or defrauding someone else who pays for goods that never arrive.
  • they want you to receive packages and reship them somewhere else. The goods will have been obtained fraudulently, and they're just using you to make the shipping address appear local. You will be aiding fraud.
  • they want up-front payment (either to them or someone else) of any sort for anything before you can get the job. This is advance fee fraud: there is no job -- it's just a big con to extract money from you.
  • they want you to buy any kind of "membership" or "kit" in order to start. Forget it -- it's not a real job at all: they're trying to sell you something, and they're probably making a bunch of other false claims about it if they're pitching it as a "job".
  • it's a job offer, and it's spam. There are LOTS of these scams about, as you can see.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Sheng Hu Metallurgical Export Co.Ltd

This is just another typical payment processing job scam. In this case, it looks like the "fraudulent cheques" variety, in which the "employee" is sent forged cheques to cash and forward via Western Union on the pretext that he's forwarding payments from customers. The cheques eventually bounce, leaving the "employee" the status of "scam victim". Note that in this particular case, the spammer seems to have placed the entire text of his email in his "signature" block to save himself from pasting it in repeatedly.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Wang Liu Shun (Sheng Hu Metallurgical Export Co.Ltd) <info_shenghuEXport@yahoo.com.hk>
Reply-to: shenghu_metals001@yahoo.com.hk
Date: 2009/3/25 UTC
Subject: JOB PROPOSAL.no money required from you.
To:





--
SHENG HU METALLURGICAL EXPORT COMPANY LIMITED.
4f-6,313,Chi Hsien 2nd Rd.,
Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

We are exporters based in the Taiwan. We export raw materials into Asia
and into Europe, America and Australia. Our company, Sheng Hu
Metallurgical Export Co.Ltd was established in 1999. We are interested in
employing your services,to work with us as our foreign payment receiving
officer, who can help us establish a medium of receiving payment on our
behalf for Goods and raw materials we supply to our clients in Europe,
America or Australia.

Subject to your satisfaction with this proposal, you will be made our
foreign payment receiving officer in your region. If you decide to work
for us, please forward to us immediately:

1,YOUR COMPLETE NAMES:
2,YOUR PHONE NUMBERS/FAX:
3,YOUR FULL CONTACT ADDRESS:
4,YOUR AGE:
5,YOUR OCCUPATION:
6,YOUR POSITION IN PLACE OF WORK;

We anxiously await your response.

Sincerely,
Wang Liu Shun,
General Manager;
Sheng Hu Metallurgical Export Co.Ltd.
Taiwan.
Reply to : shenghu_metals001@yahoo.com.hk

Zebra Auctions LLC

A correspondent forwarded me this scam, which is still fairly fresh (the domain name was registered early this month). It's just another payment processing scam, probably involving fraudulent cheques. The story goes like this: "employee" is asked to receive cheques, bank them, and forward a percentage of the proceeds via Western Union. Employee receives cheque, deposits it, withdraws cash, forwards it, and then the cheque bounces because it is a forgery. The "employee" has lost whatever money he forwarded via Western Union. It's also possible that this is a money mule scam in which the payments are made by direct transfer -- stolen out of someone's account by compromising their Internet banking. The "job description" doesn't give enough detail to be sure. You can be quite sure that it's a nasty scam, though, one way or the other.

   Domain Name: ZEBRAAUCTIONS.COM
   Registrar: ENOM, INC.
   Whois Server: whois.enom.com
   Referral URL: http://www.enom.com
   Name Server: NS1.SRVDNS.CO.UK
   Name Server: NS2.SRVDNS.CO.UK
   Updated Date: 16-mar-2009
   Creation Date: 09-mar-2009
   Expiration Date: 09-mar-2010

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Nic FORTIS <nic.fortis@googlemail.com>
To: [redacted (privacy)]
Sent: Saturday, 28 March, 2009 7:xx:xx PM
Subject: Re: Part-time position

Dear
As our administrative assistant you will be working the average of
10-15hours per week while earning an average of 3,500 – 4,000 usd  per
month.
"Zebra Auctions LLC". has been in business since 2003. We offer a
variety of services to our clients, including - reselling and selling,
providing auction drop services, and uniting sellers with
administrative assistants to contribute to the productivity of the
sales force.

Here are the frequently asked questions that will help you to
understand better how our company works and what is the role of the
administrative assistants and their responsibilities.

What is an auction drop?
Auction drop services offer clients to drop of the items that they
want to have sold and have a professional seller sell the items for
them.

Why does one use our auction drop?
We ensure that the item will be sold quickly, effectively, and for the
best price possible. Here is what we do:
•     Test to ensure everything works
•     Take professional photographs
•     Research to provide important details
•     Write a compelling listing
•     Choose the right Auction category
•     Find the best time to start your auction
•     Let you know when your auction starts
•     Answer questions from buyers
•     Notify you when your auction is won
•     Process payment from the buyer
•     Pack your item carefully
•     Ship it to the buyer
•     Handle any returns
•     Anything else it takes to sell your things through online auctions!

Who are the sellers?
All sellers have at least two years of experience in selling through
major auctions such as Ebay, Qxl, and Amazon. All sellers have at
least 98% positive feedback score, with at least 30 feedbacks.  The
sellers can be located anywhere in the world – Paris, New York,
London, Moscow, Vena, Sydney, Delhi, or any other location.

Where are the items sold?
Items are sold through top online websites such as Ebay US, Amazon
Auctions, Ebay Australia, Big Deals Australia, QXL(UK Auctions), and
more.

What are the items sold?
Main items sold are: consumer electronics, jewelry, and collectibles.

What is the administrative assistant's role?
Administrative assistant's role is to unite the seller and the buyer
by location. For example, the seller is located in Paris, and wants to
sell the item through an Australian auction site to a buyer within
Australia; we will enhance the shopper's experience and increase sales
by having a representative within that region of sales.

Your duties will include:
- Collecting, and maintaining all purchase information within your region
- Collecting payments from clients
- Presenting the company with daily, weekly, and monthly reports
- Providing the management and the sales unit with correspondence as needed
- Serve as the focal point for all information requested by the
management and vendors

Do I have to do any selling or deal with refunds? How will I be
notified of any purchases made?
The administrative assistant does not sell the product, but accepts
payments from clients within his or her area and provides the company
with full correspondence. There is a non refund policy, exchange only.
If exchange is required, the buyer and the seller will deal with this
situation. As soon as an item is sold and the purchasing information
becomes available you will be notified in detail by email, these
details will include buyer information, purchase, and price.

What bonuses are offered?
You can receive two weeks of vacation paid, twice per year. That's
3,500 usd while on a vacation. You can take your first vacation leave
after working with us for at least 3 months. You can also receive
great discounts on our items; we will send you a catalogue by mail
once you will begin working with us. Taxes are also covered by our
company. At the time when you will need to declare taxes, we will send
you an invoice stating your income, you will then find out the taxes
applicable, and we will cover this amount for you.

Any costs to start up? How do I get paid?
There are no costs to begin. All fees related to this employment are
covered by the company. The salary ranges 3,500-4,000 usd . You will
be keeping 5% from every transfer that you will receive from a client.
If at the end of the month your income is below 3,200 usd , we will
send you the difference either as a wire transfer or as a check. When
all your questions will be answered, I will send you an agreement and
the trial form to sign.


official web-site www.zebraauctions.com
Please email us all of your questions.

Thank You,
Nicolas Fortis

On Thu, Mar 26, 2009 at 1:xx PM, [redacted (privacy)] wrote:
Could you provide me more info on that please


From: "hiredepartment@zaemployment..com" <hiredepartment@zaemployment.com>
To: [redacted (privacy)]
Sent: Wednesday, 25 March, 2009 9:xx:xx AM

Subject: Re: Part-time position

Dear [redacted (privacy)],

      I represent an internet auction-trading company "Zebra Auctions LLC". We have looked through your application and would be interested in exploring your potentials further in our companys activity, and we

are glad to offer you the distance assistant position in our corporation. "Zebra Auctions LLC" is an eBay commission shop with multiple services for the entire world. "Zebra Auctions LLC" has been working for since 2003 in this financial field. We have built a great reputation in this industry. During all these time "Zebra Auctions LLC" has kept to the same business way, which is considered as a most successful method. We take great pride in our achievements that win us recognition and awards worldwide every year. We are interested in making it easy for other people to sell on eBay and use our skills and experience to increase the money they could possibly receive. We make selling process easy and comfortable for our costumers, without obstacles and complications. We would be glad to use your skills and experience in our activity. Working week includes 10-15 working hours. Our company guarantees you salary at the rate 3,500.00  4,000.00 USD per month, plus benefits.

REQUIREMENTS:
-    21 years or older
-    Quickly reply to emails
-    Be constantly reachable on the phone during the daytime

You must have:
-    A personal cell phone
-    Basic Microsoft Office skills
-    Access to the internet during the daytime
-    Have a clean record. Be legally trouble-free

      Position of distant assistant is a part-time job, all
daily tasks are to be settle with the sales department. Distant assistants serve as a connecting
link between the company and the buyer. This role is extremely important when,
for instance, a Sydney-based seller wants to drop off his item on an German auction website..
Our assistant will make this deal possible.  This job requires an ability to
execute professional duties completely and with extreme personal responsibility.

      The administrative assistants have the number of functions, such as:
-    to receive all the information connected with possible dealings
taking place in his sales area.
-    to serve as the focal point for all information requested by the management and vendors
-    to deal with payments
-    to write the daily and weekly reports
-    to clarify administrative questions to the vendors and management
when requested.
-    to lead correspondence

If you are interested and want to get more detail information, or ask some questions, please contact me at MAIL
Here is our official web-site zebraauctions.com , there you can get all information concerning our company.


Best Regards
Monica Green
Zebra Auctions
Hire Department Manager


Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Henv Leader (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd

Check and Money Order Fraud. The scammer pretends to be a company needing individuals to receive checks and money orders from customers, cash them, and forward some of the proceeds via Western Union. The checks and money orders are generally convincing enough to clear at the bank, but they will eventually bounce, leaving a large hole in the account of the "employee" (a.k.a. the victim). The actual company may or may not exist: it's just a cover story in either case.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Henv Leader Co. Ltd <yuansheng4u@gmail.com>
Date: 2009/3/17 UTC
Subject: JOB OFFER
To: ideceive@gmail.com


Dear Sir/Madam,

Would you like to work online from home and get paid weekly?

Henv Leader (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd needs a representative in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada. You can work online from home and get paid weekly. This Job proposal can be taken as a part time job as it has no negative effect to your present job status.

Henv Leader (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd is founded based on Multi Level Marketing scheme, we need capable hands to act as representative/book keeper in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada on behalf our company.

We are a manufacturer, representative and distributor which specializes in laptop battery, camcorder & digital camera battery, PDA battery, battery chargers, AC DC adapter and other accessories e.g.. We have our clients we supply weekly all over United Kingdom, United states and Canada.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO FOR US:

The international money transfer tax for legal entities (companies) in China is 25%, whereas for the individual it is only 7%. It yields the company lesser profit if we are to work that way, while tax for international money transfer made by a private individual is 7% .Hence your assistance!

We need agents to receive payment for our products in bank wire transfers and to resend the money to us via Western Union Money Transfer in China while the tax shall be 7% instead of 25% which will absolutely favor our company.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

1. Receive payment from Clients by wire transfer.

2. Cash Payments at your Bank.

3. Deduct 10% which will be your commission on each payment processed.

4. Forward the balance after deducting of 10% commission to offices which shall be provided by us as soon as the fund becomes available.

HOW MUCH WILL YOU EARN:

10% from each operation! For instance: you receive $5000 via wire transfer on our behalf. You will cash the money and keep $500 (10% from $5000) for yourself! At the beginning your commission will equal 10%, though later it will increase up to 12%!

ADVANTAGES: You do not have to go out; you will work as an independent contractor right from your home or office. Your job is absolutely legal. You can earn up to $4500-7000 monthly depending on time will spend on this job. You do not need any capital to start. You can do the Work easily without leaving or affecting your present Job. The employees who make more efforts and work harder has strong possibility of becoming managers. Anyway our employees never leave us due to our excellent work condition.

Note:

The average monthly income is about $10,000, and this job takes only 3-7 hours per week.

This job is very challenging and you should understand it. We are looking only for the Honest and Open–Heart Individual who satisfies our requirements and glad to offer this job position to you.

If our proposal interest you, Do get back to us with your detailed information as listed below.

Names:
Address:
Age:
City:
Zip Code:
State:
Home Phone:
Cell Phone:
Gender:

I AWAIT YOUR URGENT RESPONSE.

Warmest Regards,

Yuan Sheng , (Mr)

HENV LEADER (HONG KONG) CO., LTD
Room 3401, 34th floor ,Block A ,Stars Plaza,
Huaqiangbei, Futian District,
Shenzhen,
China, 518031.
Tel: +86 755 83748551
Fax: +86 755 83017032
Email: yuansheng4u@gmail.com




Monday, March 16, 2009

Tohoku Steel Co., Ltd

Tohoku Steel is a real company, sure enough, but this random scammer using a Microsoft Live email address has nothing to do with them. Like so many other scams I report here, this is a check or money order fraud scam. The scammer is looking for someone to cash checks or money orders, and send back some of the proceeds via Westerm Union. The trap is that the checks or money orders are forgeries which will eventually bounce, leaving the "employee" badly out of pocket.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Tohoku Steel Co., Ltd <customercare[@]tohoku.com>
Reply-to: tohoku.steel@live.com
Date: 2009/3/14 UTC
Subject: N/A
To: undisclosed-recipients


Tohoku Steel Co., Ltd.
23, Nishigaoka, Murata-cho
Shibata-gun, Miyagi-ken
989-13 Japan.
www.tohokusteel.com



Pick Our Job Offer.

Dear Sir/Madam,
I am Hiroyuki Yokoyama President, Representative Director Tohoku Steel Co.,
Ltd  which is principally engaged in the manufacture and sale of heat
resistant steel for engine valves and gas products. The Company offers round
bars, twisted steel bars, gas products and other products.

We are searching for representatives who can help us establish a Medium of
getting to our customers in the UK, USA, Canada, and Mexico, as Well as
making payments through you as our payment officer. Salary is attractive.
For every payment you receive from our customers on our behalf  you will get
10% commission. You will also be Receiving 2.5% bonuses annually for all
payment receive through you to us.

This job offer will not disturb you from your other job if you have one, you
are at liberty to remain in your previous job while work with us on part-
time basis. No formal experience is needed. All instruction and guideline
will be administered from the Head Office.

WHY YOU?
The international money order tax for legal entities (companies) in japan is
21%, whereas for the individual it is only 10%. That's why we need you! We
need agents to receive payment for our products in their locality by acting
as our company's representatives.This way we will save money because of tax
decreasing.

HOW MUCH WILL YOU EARN?
10% from each sale/resale operation! At the beginning your commission will
equal 10%, though later it will increase.

ADVANTAGES
You do not have to go out as you will work as an independent contractor
right from your home, office. Your job is absolutely legal. You can earn up
to $50000-$100000 depending on time you will spend for this job. You do not
need any capital to start. The employees who make efforts and work hard have
a strong possibility to become a managers.You are also allowed to be one of
our share holders.

Anyway our employees never leave us. If you are interested in our offer,
please feel free to ask for the general provisions of the Contract and
provide us the following information to enable us proceed.

(1) Your full names:
(2) Contact address:
(3) Tele/cell numbers:
(4) Occupation:
(5) Age:
(6) Sex:
(7) Marital Status:
(8) Company(if any):
(9) Bank Name:


You are expected to contact our Human Resource Department, immediately and
introduce yourself formally as our company's representative, to enable us
commence filing to some of our clients ready to initiate payment Upon
appointment, you are allowed the opportunity of determining the method or
mode through which you would be paid for your services as our Representative.

Please Note the 9th part of details requirement is important for us to know
the client that would fits into your bank. Most cheques from other banks
takes longer time than a payment from bank A to bank A. Meanwhile most of
our clients bank with Bank Of America (BOA).and it is faster from bank to
bank. Upon appointment, you are allowed the opportunity of determining the
method or mode through which you would be paid for your services as our
representative.Please direct your response to us.


Please forward this information's to the email address below:
Contact email:   tohoku.steel@live.com


We patiently await your swift response.

Sincerely,
Hiroyuki Yokoyama
President, Representative Director


Transcargo International Logistics

This is a "reshipper" scam. The "employers" make fraudulent purchases using stolen credit card information, and have the goods shipped to the "employee". The "employee" then forwards these goods overseas. When the fraud is discovered, the law enforcement trail leads to the "employee", so if you take this job, expect a visit from men in uniform sooner or later.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Elsie HELMAN <cookbafil@europe.com>
Date: 2009/3/9 UTC
Subject: Home based pWork
To: [redacted (privacy)]


                              Careers and job offers

Dear visitor. We have an opening position for your attention. This job offer is limited and can be offered at any country around the world.

Transcargo International Logistics is hiring individuals to work as home based Package Handlers.
This is a home based, part-time, fast-paced position. Part-time employees usually work 3
hours each business day (from Monday through Friday) and typically do not work on
weekends or regular holidays. During working process you will have a deal with parcels,
packages and middle size banderols. You main role is to receive, repack (if requested) and send to final client(s).

Package Handlers receive a per package rate, $20.00 per package and/or at monthly rate,
depends on offer. Our part-time employees also receive an attractive benefits package.
Please note that these opportunities are part-time only working approximately 17 hours per week.

Actually we do not require any work experience or base requirements. This job if perfect for students, moms and those who is looking for a good part-time/online job. This is a great chance to start your career with us, we are fast growing international company, don't waste your time, start your career right now.

Send your resume/cv or even personal profile to this
              e-mail: transcargointernational@gmail.com
              fax: +1 800-815-8457

You will get a response in 2-3 days. Thanks for your time and interest.





NOTE:
This position offered online only and can be used by any recruiting agency. You can find
our position online or via online e-mail marketing lists.






-

--
Be Yourself @ mail.com!
Choose From 200+ Email Addresses
Get a Free Account at www.mail.com


Thursday, March 05, 2009

Tim Interior Design

This job-ad spam is thin on actual details as to what the job involves, but it's undoubtedly some kind of money mule scam. Judging by the modus operandi, I'd guess it's West African, and thus involves cashing fraudulent cheques or money orders. I don't know whether or not there is a real company called "Tim Interior Design" -- this scammer has nothing to do with them if such a company exists.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Steve <[redacted (no evidence of truth)]>
Reply-to: jobseekers.timinteriordesign@googlemail.com
Date: 2009/3/5 UTC
Subject: Re: We have a Job Placement in your Region and we would like you to participate
To: undisclosed-recipients


 

                                                                                                                                          

       Tim Interior Design ®

 

"We have a Job Placement in your Region and we would like you to participate"
Tim Interior Design® is accepting applications from qualified individuals to become Agents. You are never obligated to accept a Job. There is no charge to become Our Agent and you do not need previous experience.

We Have gradually being expanding our works to other parts of the world.
This has made us thought of employing respected representatives in the USA ,UK, Canada and IRELAND.
So if you are looking for a home stay job or considering a part-Time Job with a considerable income then I guess this job Offer is for you.

The Two Positions We are Looking for are Stated Below.
1. Position of an offshore Marketer
2. Position of an offshore financial manager

The requirements for the candidates are:
-Being energetic, responsible, honest and industrious
-Being between the ages of 18-60 years old
-Having a few (1-2 hrs a day) to check your email
-Having a steady phone number
-You must be Good in Calculations and summary.
-No criminal background.

If you are interested and capable Please visit Our Website for more information and application form :

Click here to View Our Website

 We hope to see your applications soon.
 Best Regards
 Recruitment and Selection Officer
 Steve Gerard
 +64 988 99097

 

Thank you

                                                                                                                           

Copyright © 2001-2008 Tim Interior Design®  All Rights Reserved.
Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their
respective owners.
Tim Interior Design and the Tim Interior Design®
logo are trademarks of
Tim Interior Design®


Monday, March 02, 2009

Sydney Oil LLC

I have received a couple of notices in the last few days about a scam operating under the name of Sydney Oil LLC. This is a check/money order fraud scam targeting victims in North America: the scammers send forged checks/money orders to their victim employees, and the employees are asked to send back cash via Western Union. When the fraudulent nature of the checks/money orders is discovered, the bank or other institution which cashed them will take its money back, leaving the victim out of pocket as the victim of fraud.

The scammers do not represent any company: the name "Sydney Oil" is just one of many random names that these scammers have used over time. At the time of writing, the domain name "sydneyoil.com" is hosted by Google Apps. It has been registered for a surprisingly long time, although still less than one year. It's possible that these scammers plan their future scam names well in advance to make them look less suspicious.

   Domain Name: SYDNEYOIL.COM
   Registrar: GODADDY.COM, INC.
   Whois Server: whois.godaddy.com
   Referral URL: http://registrar.godaddy.com
   Name Server: NS57.DOMAINCONTROL.COM
   Name Server: NS58.DOMAINCONTROL.COM
   Updated Date: 28-aug-2008
   Creation Date: 28-aug-2008
   Expiration Date: 28-aug-2009

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2009
Subject: HAND BOOK 1.0
From: adminstaff@sydneyoil.com
To: adminstaff@sydneyoil.com

HAND BOOK 1.0

This simple guide was put together to help you learn the ropes and is subject to the application of intuition in the real job environment.

The nature of your job and job description is simple. And below are five guidelines that should lead you to accomplish your first transaction and subsequent transactions.

5 STEPS

1. Track and Receive Customer Payments

2. Deposit or Cash Payments

3. Deduct Percentage Salary

4. Send Companies Balance

5. Log Book

STEP 1 - Track and Receive Customer Payments

After orders are sealed on our end, payments will be sent out to you via Courier service. Mostly FedEx or UPS. Tracking numbers to these payments will be emailed to you.

Kindly visit the site
www.ups.com or www.fedex.com input the tracking issued to you and you will be able to see the status of the package in transit to you.

This is so you are aware of the delivery time and you make yourself or someone available to
receive the payments from the courier service.


STEP 2 - Deposit or Cash Payments

once payments are in your possession kindly go to your bank and have the payments (MONEY ORDERS) deposited for 24hrs . If you can get cash immediately better, then proceed with step 3.

(Kindly have in mind that the sooner you complete a transaction, the sooner another payment is sent to you. You will not receive another transaction until a pending transaction is completed.)

Time is of essence, so I suggest all transactions are completed within a space of 48hrs.


STEP 3 - Deduct Percentage Salary

kindly deduct 8% from the cash at hand.

The efficiency and Speed you use in handling your fir st transaction will go a long way in determining the size of the next amount you will receive, this way you hold your promotion to handling larger payments in your own hands.


STEP 4 - Send Companies Balance

An email will be sent to you detailing appointed delegates to receive the companies balance. Kindly locate
a western union agent office close to you and have the monies sent to the delegates from there.

Once payments are sent off, kindly email the sending details back to me which will include the following;

MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number)
Test Question and Answer
Total Amount sent.

Be careful to avoid typographical errors when sending payment details from Western Union and emailing
details back to me.

NOTE: Western Union Charges are to be deducted from the company's remaining balance and not from your percentage pay.

To find Western Union Agent location please dial 1-800-325-6000 and follow the voice prompts.

STEP 5 - Log Book

Once you have completed all four steps above, go to your Log Book and enter the following;

Name of Re miter on Check
Amount of payment Received
Date Received
Date you sent Western Union
How much Sent
To which delegate you sent payment via Western Union

The log book can also be a Note Pad on your PC.

This marks the full completion of your transaction.


If you have questions on any of these 5 steps, kindly contact me via email and i will reach you
as soon as possible.

You are required to reply this email with a ''YES'' as subject to indicate your continued interest in the job offer.
Please also confirm your Full Name and Address (including city and state).


Thank you once again,
Rob Cole.
Sydney Oil LLC