Bogus Nigerian Job Offers Which Involve
Counterfeit Advance Fee Check Payments or Certification Fraud Scams
Con Job Surveying Relocation Sites
A woman called me this morning and said her friend found a "job
opportunity" on Monster.com, surveying sites for a company's
relocation. No experience necessary. He applied, and this company
sent him a check for $24,000, which cleared. The company said he
should send them back all but about $4,000 for the month's expenses.
Does this ring any bells??
Anne Michaud
Reporter - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 05/28/02
I have not heard of the job aspect but it is a common and growing
scam perpetrated by our Nigerian friends who alter checks or forge
them knowing they will take up to 3-6 weeks to eventually be found
out. In the meantime the account holder is out the entire amount
because they are responsible for deposits, even when duped.
One lady in California is serving 18 months for depositing such
a check. Imagine that!
The real crooks get away clean. The full Nigerian story starts
at www.crimes-of-persuasion.com/Crimes/Business/nigerian.htm and
gets worse from there.
Depositors Soon Working in Prison Garb
I think that I have stumbled into a job scam featuring a company
called "Astalumber Ltd." purportedly out of Lithuania. They
advertised on Monster.com for a US representative to do telephone
sales for them, and I replied, as it appeared legitimate.
All proceeded well up to the point of them making the first monthly
payment. At that point, they requested via e-mail if I would
accept payment from a US company that owed them a large debt, and
wire transfer the difference to Astalumber.
Bells went off, and I sent inquiries to the American Chamber of
Commerce in Lithuania asking them to determine if Astalumber actually
existed. They checked the company registration in Lithuania
and came up empty. I also forwarded the same request to the
commercial attache at the US Embassy in Lithuania, but received no
reply.
I did not reply to the e-mail request from Astalumber to accept
the overpayment, and I have not heard from them since. I did
a search on Astalumber, and found that they had made several other
posting on other job sites.
Rod Taylor 05/31/02
Listed on Jobvertise.com as Asta Lumber Ltd.
AstaLumber Ltd, located in Vilnius, Lithuania, is inviting for a
job. We specialize in different construction materials: - structural
concrete, glass, lumber - building bricks, stone, implements, paint,
log - gypsum plaster - construction lime.
Your task consists of: - We give you list of our potential customers
with phone numbers. - You need to contact them by phone and offer
our goods. Sometimes you'll need to write down order details and
relay it to our central office. - You'll need to contact 10-15 companies
per day and it won't take more than 3 hours per day, so the job is
part-time.
Requirements: - USA citizenship - At least college education. You're
paid on the monthly basis, $2600.00 per month. Your salary does not
depend on sales. We are going to pay your phone bills. Salary for
the first month of the work is paid upfront.
For additional information please mail: job@astalumber.com
To Monster.com - A Nigerian Advance Fee Fraud ring is using
your site to dupe victims into depositing bogus checks into their
account as overpayment of wages and then sending the balance to the
crooks. One of the names used was Astalumber.
Registrant of astalumber.com:
Trasko, John
vorobeyov@yahoo.com
Ibuileia 21 - 37 Vilnius, Lithuania 723311
+370175678619
Les Henderson
Thank you for bringing this situation to our attention. Please know
that our Sales Representatives do their best in screening potential
Monster customers in regards to making sure they meet our Terms of
Service.
I have forwarded your information to our Product Department and they
will look into this matter and investigate the company/recruiter/employer
in question.
mayday@monster.com 05/31/02
Certification Scam
The fraudulent company, "The Concord Group" is pretending
to be a Swiss corporation doing business in Mauritius Island with
promises of employment. After sending in an application the company
quickly responds with promises of work.
The person writing job offers introduces himself as "Paul Bedell" of
Switzerland. All his correspondence is originating from South Africa,
where local police are investigating similar frauds, according the Consulate
of South Africa in Los Angeles.
There is a fraud awareness website, which has posted his emails at http://offshoreguides.com/BOOK/23_scams_and_frauds.htm
After receiving three emails, they welcome you to the Concord family,
but want you to take a mandatory exam from South Africa, which costs
USD $795. The IMLSC - Certification Program that they offer is not recognized
anywhere. They also say that they have filed immigration documents with
the Mauritius government, but that is not true, since a Mauritius Employment
visa application must include two pictures, passport number etc. which
they have not obtained.
The Swiss consulate has warned that this fake company supposedly
operating out of Zurich is luring jobseekers in the hospitality sector
in Mauritius and the Caribbean and swindling them out of their money.
The company recently advertised openings for professionals in accounting,
finance, IT, human resources, and management asking jobseekers to file
their CVs at the following address: concordway@mail.com.
It also called on senior food, beverage and cruise line professionals
to apply for "highly-paid" jobs in projects owned or managed
by the company in different parts of the world.
The aim of the ad was to lure the maximum number of professionals who
could later pay so-called employment fees which would be asked from the
applicants. Some of the applicants were asked to transfer $800
to process their applications and their work permits.
Investigations uncovered that there was no such company anywhere in Switzerland.
Timo K. Uusikerttula 08/14/02
Once considered , you will be based at the Financial and Accounting
services Department of the Concord Group in Port – Louis
, Mauritius as Resident Manager- Information Sciences
As compensation for services to be rendered under this contract, your
remuneration package will be USD82K (Eighty Two Thousand Dollars ) per
annum, as an expatriate the amount is total Net , + mobility , 4 weeks
( 1 month ) all expenses paid leave of absence, life and health care
insurance, full accommodation as par your requirement .
The position on offer is based in Port – Louis ( Mauritius )...
the assignation may require you to visit offshore centers or be on board
certain cruise ships for days...
As you may occasionally be required to visit offshore centers, or
sea going cruise liners, or vessels bound by the International SOLAS
CONVENTION ( Safety of Life at Sea ), The Republic of Mauritius’s
Ministry of Interior requires an International Maritime Logistics
and Safety Certification (IMLSC ).
Once considered , you may be required to undertake the IMLSC Certification
Program . If required we will recommend certain institutions to you ...
Paul Bedell
Head- Human Resources
The Concord Group
9th Floor Concord Plaza
2 Rue Altois ,
Zurich , Switzerland
This is to welcome you to the Concord family and confirm your 2
years employment contract with the Concord Group subject to the submission
of an IMLSC number as required for Immigration and Naturalization
WORK PERMIT endorsement Issuance .
It has been decided that you must hold and submit an IMLSC- Certification
As the Employment is subject to the submission of a IMLSC –Certification
number, concrete arrangement must be made to secure and furnish us
with your maritime number of the required IMLSC certification .
As earlier briefed , you are to be responsible for your maritime certification
program. The certification program at Maritime House – South Africa
takes 16 / 20 hours of studying time at a cost of US$785 covering overnight
insured FedEx Courier, study materials and instructions on CD-ROM, online
examination access code, past examination papers , and Certification
.
Due to time constrains , we have notified the Maritime House of your
intent , Maritime House ( South Africa ) you may contact the Rector of
Maritime House directly at : rector@maritimeza.zzn.com
Contact Person : Mr. Gabriel Bayer
Mobile : +27-84-361-3630
All is well , you have the position , we have lodged an IMLSC Waiver
Application to the department of Immigration in Mauritius , for an
Exemption regarding your undertaking the IMLSC Certification Program...
With reference to previous confirmation regarding Employment with
the Concord Group, we herewith attach details in HTML format , So
unfortunate the MLSC Exemption was declined .
As we will be handling your relocation and travelling expenses , we will
suggest passing through ZURICH to meet me enroute to Port- Louis – Mauritius
to take up your appointment...
Expertise at Scamming
From: F.A. SOWEMIMO
Sent: 9/29/2003 12:07:42 PM
Subject: Job Offer/Selection.
Attn:
1.0 Multinational Expertise Limited and Partners has the
mandate to procure technical and expatriate labour to
complement local personnel and contractors in series of
project presently about to commence by Totalfina Elf
Nigeria Limited, and the Nigerian National Petroleum
Corporation (NNPC) Joint Venture known as the LNG Plus
project.
Multinational Expertise Limited haven gone through the
curriculum vitae/resume of contacted expatriates
recommended for the project have found you qualified and
decided to invite you as one of the expatriates to start
work as soon as possible.
1.1 All operations will be reported directly/indirectly to
the Project Administrator of the NLNG Plus Project Joint
Venture through Saibos CML (Contractor) and Totalfina Elf
Nigeria Limited. All personnel shall be responsible to the
Joint Venture (NLNG Plus).
The programme is a turnkey project with Nigeria LNG
limited (NLNG) a mixed company established by NNPC, SHELL,
NAOC and Totalfina Elf to produce, market and export
Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), for the construction
and expansion of a Gas Liquefaction plant, known as the
LNG plus. The project concerns the 4th and 5th LNG
production lines with an annual capacity of around 4
million tones each. The plant will also produce 1.1
million tones per year of LPG and 0.4 million tones per
year of condensates...
..You are hereby advise at this stage to contact the
designated agency for the delivery of your contract
engagement papers for review and endorsement before
commencing the procurement of your relevant
travel/immigration papers to enable us ascertain your
commitment to the project take-off.
However, you are to borne the expenses of the delivery of
your contract engagement papers though reimbursed on
confirmation and completion of your contract engagement
documents.
The Travel Consultants address is as follows:
Elsilver Travel Agency
evtravelconsultancy@yahoo.co.uk
Contact Person: Tunde Phillips
Phone Number: 234-802-338-8650
Fax Number: 234-1-759-9058
The Travel Consultant has also been informed in this
regard; your present location and a day-time telephone
number would also be required for sake of efficiency and
correspondence...
Rig Roustabout Rip-off
Below are the emails sent to me as a result of responding to an
advert in the newspaper.
Good Day
With reference to your application for employment consideration with
Group Twenty.
Glad to inform that we received and are currently reviewing your Resume/CV
and we are in the final process of considering your considering your
Employment Application with the Group Twenty Family.
The Board will be convening a final decision on Thursday afternoon
or soon as possible , and hence of great importance to complete attached
EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION and clarify the following :
EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Simplified Procedure cutting away all time wasting employment procedure,
we will evaluate your resume , contact your references and only when
we are satisfied of a good match will we contact you for any other information
required or as in certain cases , we may be able to offer a position
within 48 hours of receiving and evaluating all credentials and details
.
PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO THE URGENT NATURE OF AVAILABLE POSITIONS . YOU
MUST BE ABLE TO MOBILIZE OR TAKE UP POSITION immediately OR WITHIN 4
WEEKS TO 8
WEEKS .
You must check up available position , Employment Location and Expected
Salary online at : http://grouptwenty.20m.com before attempting to complete
the Employment Application Form .
APPLICATION FORM
Name : _______________________________
Permanent Address : ___________________
Date of Birth :_________________________
Country of Origin :-____________________
Contact Telephone : ____________________
Fax :____________ E-Mail :______________
Employment Interest :___________________
* Please check available position at : http://grouptwenty.20m.com
Expected Salary in USD :________________
Do You hold an IMLSC Certification :_________
Please provide 2 References, details to include contact Telephone , Fax
and Email .
In the event that you do not hold an IMLSC Certification a SOLAS requirement
( International Maritime Logistics and Safety Certification ),
you are to be fully responsible for the cost of your certification Program.
As position may require you to visit offshore centers , or on board oil
and gas installations or vessels bound by the SOLAS Convention, in accordance
to the Safety of Life on Sea Convention (SOLAS) , you may be required
to undertake an International Maritime Logistics and Safety Certification
Program covering :
Global Maritime and Safety System -ROC-IA ( GMDSS ) Basic Environmental
Health and Safety with Hazwoper Induction. International Bridge
Resource Management Program
If IMLSC is required, we will recommend certain institutions to you (
the Program should take you no more than a week, some institutions offer
these programs online or by correspondence.
It must be noted that we would be responsible for your WORK PERMIT expenses,
return airfare and all relocation expenses , accommodation is on need
basis . Full international health and life insurance coverage will be
provided .
Thanks
Joan Adela ide
The Group Twenty
14th Floor, Twenty Plaza
45 Rue La Fayette , Paris, France, 7509
Tel/Fax :- +33-1-5301-4678
email : gp20-jadel@europe.com
There will be no traditional interview , the contract is performance
based, in view of which we offer a probation period of 6 months,
both parties at the end of the 6 months can reach a mutual compromise
regarding performance level, contract continuity or termination .
The Position is based in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea , a relatively quiet
and peaceful country .
Acceptance of Employment
Section 1.01 . Employer hereby employs Employee and Employee hereby accepts
employment with Employer as Rig Roustabout, Equatorial Guinea
.
The renewable 2 years contract is subject to submission of an IMLSC Certification
Number, an Immigration requirement, we will require your IMLSC number
to finalize Immigration, Work Permit Issuance. It has been decided
that you must hold and submit an IMLSC Certification.
Concrete arrangement must be made to secure and furnish us with your
maritime number of the required IMLSC certification.
As earlier briefed , you are to be responsible for your maritime
certification program , The certification program at Maritime House
Namibia takes 16 / 20 hours of studying time at a cost of US$58 covering
overnight insured FedEx Courier, study materials and instructions
on CD-ROM, online examination access code, past examination papers,
and Certification.
We will suggest you contact the Rector of Maritime House at :
Contact Person : Mr. Winston Graham
Contact Email : enrolment@maritzna.zzn.com
sent in by Harvey in South Africa 04/15/03
Scammers Seem to be Selecting South Africans
Below is a copy of an email received in response to an advert in
the Career Times (Supplement of the Cape Times) on the 7 April 2003.I
was one of the unfortunate ones to have lost money to this scam. Hopefully
these guys will be stopped soon.
When chatting to my stepfather, he said that he heard of two other
guys who fell for the same scam. The only thing different was the
names and the bank account number.
After I deposited the money for the IMLSC course, I never received
the material. I then emailed "Joan Adelaide" again and
never had a reply.
It was then that I became suspicious. After going back onto the
web to look at the website that "Joan Adelaide" referred
me to, it was gone!
When speaking to the local police they confirmed that this was the
second case that they had heard of in this matter.
Wesley Pearce
Cape Town, South Africa 05/07/03
Date : 15th of April 2003
Good Day
With reference to your application for senior position
with Group Twenty .
Please find attached Employment Letter and Draft
Employment Contract .
Please note that the Employment Contract attached
is a Draft Copy, subject to mutual amendment , we have attached
the Contract for your perusal .
Far from traditional recruitment , prospective candidates
are electronically matched with available positions, after electronic
screening , the Board meets to render a final decision .
There will be no traditional interview , the contract
is performance based ,in view of which we offer a probation period
of 6 months ,both parties at the end of the 6 months can reach
a mutual compromise regarding performance level, contract continuity
or termination.
The Position is based in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea,
a relatively quiet and peaceful country .
The renewable 2 years contract is subject to submission
of an IMLSC Certification Number , an Immigration requirement,
we will require your IMLSC number to finalize Immigration, Work
Permit Issuance .
As briefed in the contract, we will be responsible
for your relocation expenses, your contract will be endorsed with
a 2 years Work Permit as required by the responsible Department
of Labour, and Home Affairs Equatorial Guinea .
Be kind to inform as to your willingness to accept
the position as offered , or if unable to take up the position
, kindly advise .
Joan Adelaide
================================
Date : 15th of April 2003
Reference: EMTP-0518/02910
Good Day
This is to welcome you to the Group Twenty family
and confirm your 2 years employment contract with Group Twenty
commencing from the 24th of May 2003 .
Subject to the submission of an International Maritime
Logistics and Safety Certification number as required for Immigration
and Naturalization- WORK PERMIT Issuance .
You will be primarily based in Equatorial Guinea
, Reporting directly to the Manager Personnel as Rig
Roustabout, OTUBO GAS .
It has been decided that you must hold and submit
an IMLSC- Certification.
As you may occasionally be required to be onboard
offshore oil and gas installations , you are bound by the International
SOLAS CONVENTION ( Safety of Life Offshore ), The Republic of Equatorial
Guinea Department of Labour and Home Affairs requires an International
Maritime Logistics and Safety Certification (IMLSC ).
Concrete arrangement must be made to secure and furnish
us with your maritime number of the required IMLSC certification
You are to be fully responsible for your IMLSC-Certification Program
.
We are responsible for your re-location expenses
, from country of residence to your official Location ,Malabo ,
with a maximum of 4 dependants allowed , this expenses covered
you/your family’s return traveling expenses , and all expenses
concerning freight of your personal effects from country of residence
to Equatorial Guinea .
As compensation for services to be rendered under
this contract , your remuneration package will be US$38,000 (Thirty
Eight Thousand Dollars ) per annum , as an expatriate the amount
is total Net , + mobility , 4 weeks ( 1 month ) all expenses paid
leave of absence , life and health care insurance , full accommodation
as par your requirement .
As earlier briefed , you are to be responsible for
your maritime certification program , The certification program
at Maritime House – Namibia takes 16 / 20 hours of studying
time at a cost of US$58 covering overnight insured FedEx Courier,
study materials and instructions on CD-ROM, online examination
access code, past examination papers , and Certification .
We will suggest you contact the Rector of Maritime Hose at :
Contact Person : Mr. Winston Graham
Contact Email : enrolment@maritzna.zzn.com
You are to make direct contact with the Maritime
House for whatever course arrangement .
Please keep me posted .
Thanks
Joan Adelaide
==================================
Group Twenty Inc
45 Rue La Fayette ,
Paris , France ,
Tel/Fax: +33-1-5301-4678
http://grouptwenty.20m.com
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT
The Group Twenty Inc , a corporation registered in
France with International Oil and Gas interest hereinafter referred
to as "Employer " , the undersigned , __________________
herein referred to as " Employee " in consideration of
mutual promises made herein agreed as follows :
ARTICLE 1 . EMPLOYMENT
Acceptance of Employment
Section 1.01 . Employer hereby employs Employee
and Employee hereby accepts employment with Employer as Rig
Roustabout , Equatorial Guinea .
Terms of Employment
Section 1.02 . The employment period will
commence from the 24th of May 2003 , or as agreed ,
for a total duration of 24 months after which time said employment
shall ceased or be renewed for a further 2 years or as to be mutually
agreed .
ARTICLE 2 . DUTIES OF EMPLOYEE
Position , Description and Duties
Section 2.01 .
The primary tasks of a Roustabout is drilling aboard
the oil rig. Additional tasks include unloading supplies from the
support vessels and producing wells service units.
Time and Attention
Section 2.02 . Employee agrees to devote all
of his/her time, attention and energy to the performance of Employee’s
duties pursuant to this agreement , and shall perform such duties
to the best of Employee’s ability .
Adherence to Rules
Section 2.03 . Employee’s at all times
during the performance of this Agreement shall strictly adhere
to and obey all the rules and regulations now in effect or as subsequently
modified or enacted by Employer , governing the conduct of Employees.
Satisfactory Performance of Duties
Section 2.04. The employment shall continue
only as long as the services rendered by Employee are satisfactory
to Employer , notwithstanding any other provision contained in
this agreement . Employer shall be the judge as to whether the
services of Employee are satisfactory .
Obligations to Third Parties
Section 2.05. Employee warrants and represents
that Employee has the ability to enter into this agreement , that
entering into and performing under this Agreement will not violate
Employee’s agreement with any third party , and that there
exist no restrictions or obligations to any third parties which
will restrict Employee’s performance of duties under this
agreement .
ARTICLE 3 . COMPENSATION
Basic Compensation
Section 3.01
As compensation for services to be rendered under
this contract , your remuneration package will be USD38K (Thirty
Eight Thousand Dollars ) per annum , as an expatriate the amount
is total Net , + mobility , 4 weeks ( 1 month ) all expenses paid
leave of absence , life and health care insurance , full accommodation
as par your requirement .
Vacation Pay
Section 3.02 . Employee shall be entitled
to paid vacation of 4 weeks . Although vacations will be granted
at times requested by Employee , Employer reserves the right to
determine or approve the vacation time . Employee shall not be
able to accrue any vacation time in any year until the vacation
time for the period year has been fully used .
Group Health Insurance
Section 3.03 . As further compensation , Employee
is entitled to participate , to the extent available to other employees
of Employer and under terms afforded to other employees of Employer
, in and to any group insurance provided by Employer to such employees
.
Effect of termination on Compensation
Section 3.04. Contract is subject to a probation
period of 6 months , the probation period will be performance based
, the contract will run to fullness only if mutually satisfied
with performance and working environment . If mutually unsatisfied
with working environments or working performance , we will give
an additional equivalent of 3 months compensation pay . In the
event of termination of employment, Employee shall be entitled
to compensation accrued and earned prior to the date of termination
as provided for in this Article 3.04 , computed pro-rata up to
and including the date of termination . Other than as may be provided
herein
Section 3.05 : After the 6 months probation
period , In the event of termination of employment, Employee shall
be entitled to compensation accrued and earned prior to the date
of termination as provided for in this Article 3.04 , computed
pro-rata up to and including the date of termination . Other than
as may be provided herein to the contrary. Employee shall be entitled
to no further compensation following such date of termination.
ARTICLE 4 . EMPLOYER’S RECORD/TRADE SECRETS
Non-Disclosure of Records
Section 4.01 .
- All records of the accounts
of Employer , of any nature , whether existing at the time of
Employee’s employment , procured through efforts of Employee
or obtained by Employee’s employment from any other source
, and whether prepared by Employee or otherwise , shall be the
exclusive property of Employer regardless of who actually purchased
the original book , record or magnetic storage unit on which
such information is recorded .
- All such books and records shall
be immediately returned to Employer by Employee on termination
of employment , whether or not any dispute exists between Employer
and Employee at , regarding and/or following the termination
of employment .
- During the term of employment
under this Agreement , Employee will have access to and become
acquainted with various trade secrets, consisting of formulas,
programs , patterns, devices , inventions , processes , compilation
of data and information , records , and specifications , all
of which are owned by Employer .
- All files , records, documents,
drawings, specifications ,programs ,equipment and similar items
relating to the business of Employer , whether they are prepared
by Employer or by Employee , or come into Employee’s possession
in any other way and whether or not they contain or constitute
trade secrets owned by Employer, are and shall remain exclusive
property of Employer and shall not be removed from the premises
of Employer under any circumstances whatsoever without the prior
written consent of Employer .
- Employee promises and agrees
that Employee shall not misuse, misappropriate , give , sell,
furnish nor disclose , whether for consideration or for no consideration,
, and whether or not during or following his/her employment with
Employer , or at any other time thereafter , any trade secrets
described herein, directly or indirectly or use them in any way
or manner, for his/her own benefit or the benefit of others,
except as required in the course or scope of Employee’s
employment with Employer . Employee agrees and promises not to
make known to other person, firm, or corporation , the names
, addresses or any other information of any of Employer’s
customers or vendors, or call on , solicit,or take away
any of the customers ofEmployee called on or with whom
Employee became acquainted with during his or her employment
herein .
- Employee agrees that the use
or dissemination of any trade secrets as described above , whether
by Employee or by any other person or entity, constitutes unfair
trade practices . Employee agrees to not employ unfair trade
practices . Employee agrees to not employ unfair trade practices
whether during the time of his employ or at any time thereafter.
ARTICLE 5 . GENERAL PROVISIONS
Notices
Section 5.01 . Any notices to be given by
either party to the other may be effected either by personal delivery
in writing or by mail, registered and certified , postage prepaid
with return receipt requested . Mailed notices shall be addressed
to the parties at their last known addresses as appearing on the
books of the Employer.
Entire Agreement
Section 5.02 . This Agreement supersedes any
and all agreements , either oral or written, between the parties
with respect to the employment of Employee by Employer for the
purpose set forth in article 2.01., and contains all of the covenants
and agreements between the parties with respect to such employment
whatsoever . Each party to this agreement acknowledges that no
misrepresentations, inducements , promises or agreements , orally
or otherwise , have been made by any party, or anyone acting on
behalf of any party, which are not embodied herein , and that no
other agreement , statement , or promises not contained in this
agreement shall be valid or binding . Any modification of this
Agreement will be effective only if it is in writing signed by
the party to be charged .
Law Governing Agreement
Section 5.03 . This Agreement shall be governed
by and construed in accordance with the laws of France .
Attorney’s Fees and Costs
Section 5.04 . If any legal action is necessary
or brought in any court or arbitration proceeding to enforce or
interpret the terms of this agreement , the prevailing party shall
be entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees , costs and all
expenses as necessary ,in addition to any other relief to which
such party may be entitled . This provision shall be construed
as applicable to the contract.
This Agreement is entered into on ______________
at _________________
___________________________
Employer’s Signature
IMLSC NUMBER : ________________
WORK PERMIT VALIDATION , DATE : ______________
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Dubai
Fraudulent Bonus Checks For Non-Existent
Jobs
03/02 - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has learned
that some individuals and banks are being victimized by a scheme
involving online job applications. The individuals have applied for
and accepted jobs through an online job search service advertising "signing
bonuses" of approximately $2,500 to new hires.
Each prospective employee has received a check ranging from $19,000
to $50,000 by mail from the prospective employer with instructions
to deposit the check, preferably at an ATM. The recipient is further
instructed to keep $2,000 to $4,000, depending upon the amount of
the signing bonus, and return the balance of the money by wire to
a location in Europe.
The checks are fraudulent; therefore, the depositor is ultimately
responsible for any amounts charged back to his or her account by
the bank resulting from the dishonor of the checks. In some cases,
banks have suffered losses when a customer has been unable to cover
the overdrafts resulting from the dishonor and return of the fraudulent
checks.
Some of the checks bear the bank name and address of Mercantile
Bank, 425 22nd Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33704, and the names
of various legitimate bank customers; however, the routing number
on the checks (011002725) is assigned to the Mercantile Bank and
Trust Company, Boston, Massachusetts.
Other checks bear the bank name and address of First City Bank,
135 Perry Avenue, S. E., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, and names of
various legitimate customers; however, the routing numbers on the
checks (011104322) and (044002909) are assigned to the First City
Bank, New Britain, Connecticut, and First City Bank, Columbus, Ohio,
respectively.
Any information you may have about these checks or this scheme should
be immediately reported to the nearest office of the Federal Bureau
of Investigation (FBI). The number may be found in your telephone
book under U. S. Government, or on the FBI's Web site at http://www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/info.htm.
Information about these checks or similar items may also be forwarded
to the FDIC's Special Activities Section, 550 17th Street, NW, Room
F-6012, Washington, DC 20429 or by email to alert@fdic.gov.
Laura Bruce the Senior Reporter for Bankrate, Inc. 561-627-7330
ext. 504 is seeking victim statements for an article. She can be
contacted at lbruce@bankrate.com
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