So many people have asked me about this job opportunity that I just had to write about it. Don’t worry; this is a quick, yet informative lesson.
I found that analyzing these types of job offers line-by-line can help the telecommuting job hunter to actually see the scams for what they are. Follow me dear students, as we dissect this job offer:
We are an international offshore company established in [usually an offshore location like – Cyprus, Malaysia- I’ve seen this statement with a least 15 different locations attached] in 1997 and work within international trading business. We deal in offshore banking and finance, insurance and international trading of high profitable goods, shipping and connecting corporations on the world market.
YOU HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED TO FILL OUR REMOTE SECRETARIAL POSITION!
Notice that this potential employer did not ask for a resume from the job applicant. Notice also that the employer did not ask for references or interviews before offering this job. Answer this question for me, “What employer does not ask for a resume and other evidence of reliability to make sure you (the potential employee) are a “serious” applicant?
Please, be serious in accepting this job, because we are only hiring serious homeworkers. We offer you a REAL job that you can do at home and increase your income. You can work part-time or full-time. For full-time home typist position, US $3,500 or more each month is very possible. Experience is not necessary but you must know how to type.
They are offering an entry-level typist position, requiring no experience for $21.88 an hour! How did I get to this amount? There are 40 hours in a work week (if you work full-time). There are usually 4 weeks within a month (average). That’s a total of 160 hours per month worked (full-time). The company is offering $3,500 per month in pay. Take $3,500 and divided it by 160 which equals $21.88 an hour!3,500 160 = $21.88
I have yet to encounter an entry-level typist position in that salary range. Check it out and do a comparison.
We are only interested in SERIOUS homeworkers to work for us. For that reason we must ask for a one-time deposit of US $100. This is NO FEE. It is a DEPOSIT that will be refunded to you when you have earned your first US $100. This is necessary to protect both you and us from unserious job seekers. This is a limited time offer and will be valid for the next (y) days.
Why would they accept you for a position and then ask you for money? Has an employer ever said to you, “You’ve got the job, now give me $50?” Isn’t it kind of generally understood that you don’t have any money and that’s why you are seeking gainful employment?
And on the subject of “serious applicants,” what’s up with the $100 deposit?
Tell me truthfully, if you went on a job interview and the employer asked for a $100 deposit as a “good faith” gesture that you really want to work for them, would you dish out the money?
As for the seriousness of my application, I would think I was “serious” when I’ve taken the time to submit a resume, wait for the employer’s response, attend an interview, allow the employer to test and grade my skills, provide references and sign contracts of employment. Yeah, I think if I go through all that, I’m pretty serious, don’t you?
Because of long time for clearing (minimum 15 days) and high bank charges, we DO NOT accept money order or personal cheques. We accept BANK DRAFT, BANK-to-BANK Transfer, and Western Union.
So what happens if the job doesn’t pan out? Do they keep the $100? What if you don’t like the job? Will the company volunteer to give you the money back? What if they refuse to give you your money back? Will you go to Cypress or Singapore or Malaysia to get your $100 back? Remember, there is no “International Better Business Bureau,” so if they stiff you out of $100; you’re out of luck.
Talking about checks, what’s up with this banking charge stuff? Why can’t they accept checks? Could it be because you can stop payment on checks? That checks and money orders can be traced? And if your new employer were really an offshore banking company, wouldn’t they be able to accept checks from all over the world at minimum or no cost?
Why would employers making loads of money in offshore banking, finance and insurance need your measly $100 to insure themselves?
Hmmm. Sounding kind of suspicious isn’t it?
Please, whenever you are looking for a telecommuting job, please, please, please pretend you are walking into a “regular” commuting office. What happens when you walk into a “brick and mortar” human resources department? A few things:
1. They ask you for your resume;
2. No one talks about money, except you because you are asking about salary;
3. You are interviewed, asked to provide references of your character and perhaps samples of your previous work.
4. If they decide to hire you, they ask you to sign an employment contract, tax forms and other agreements.
5. The employer then goes over your starting date, your probationary period and when to expect your first paycheck.
Note, in the above scenario, that money goes from the employer to you, not the other way around. No one pays to work — not in the United States, not in Japan, not in Singapore, not in Cypress or any other country. Remember that.
Happy Hunting!