Protect Yourself and Report the Latest Frauds, Scams, Spams, Fakes, Identify Theft Hacks and Hoaxes
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Have you received an email from Marion Anderson of "Glass Towers Inc" in London (or ANYWHERE else) offering you a job as a "Receiving Payments Agent", "Payment Officer", "local agent" or "local representative" in which you "receive payments", deduct your "Processing fee", deposit the checks and then wire most of the money to an overseas "company"?
It is an AFF / Money transfer Scam. They'll send you counterfeit checks which you are supposed to deposit, take out some percentage (typically, 10%) for your work, and then MoneyGram or Western Union wire the remaining 90%. Notice that although you receive checks, they won't let you forward a check to them, only Western Union or Money Gram. There's a reason for this: Western Union and MoneyGrams are cashed immediately and are untraceable and irretrievable. Bank checks can take 1 or 2 weeks to clear!
Of course, since the check is fake, it will bounce a week or so later after you deposit it. But you have already moneygram'ed the scammers the 90% of the amount, and that is transacted almost instantly. So you now owe the bank for the full amount. You may also face criminal charges for passing counterfeit checks. See this page for a step-by-step explanation of how the scam unfolds.
Do you have a resume posted online? We'd like to hear from you about your experiences recruiting emails that turned out to be scams or misleading - click here to write us.
Notice the passages we have highlighted in the actual scam email below. They illustrate some of the additional clues that it is a scam, such as the email comes from a free email account (such as Yahoo.com, Hotmail.com, Aim.com, Gmail, cox.net, etc.). Wouldn't you expect a company to have its own website and email address (after all, it only costs about $200/year; every reputable company has its own website these days!) And don't be surprised if the scammers do put the names of real companies, real websites and events in their scams; it doesn't mean anything at all!
From: Marion Anderson [ info@glasstower.org ]
Subject: ******EMPLOYMENT*****( Part Time ) 2008
Date: February 24, 2008
Hello,
I am sorry for this unprecedented way of communicating to you this to you but would like to have your attention for a moment? Are seeking an extra income? would you like to set your own work schedule? work the hours you choose and at the same time earn an extra income for you and your family?
Well, we might have the answer. Our company Glass Towers Inc. needs representatives in the States and Canada and anywhere. So we would like to know if you would like to work on line from home and getting paid weekly without leaving or affecting your present job?
This is no get rich quick scheme neither is it a scam or hoax in anyway. You are not required to pay any registration fee or pay for any application form before you get employed. Instead of paying for anything you will be receiving your weekly salary as soon as you get started. Too good to be true you will say.
However, we are searching for reliable persons/companies who can act as a RECEIVING PAYMENTS AGENT who will act as medium of reach between our customers and us in their area of locality.
JOB DESCRIPTION?
1. Receive payment from Clients
2. Cash Payments at your Bank
3. Deduct 10% which will be your percentage/pay on Payment processed.
4. Forward balance after deduction of your percentage to any of the offices you will be contacted to send payment to (Payment is to forwarded either by Money Gram or Western Union Money Transfer).
ADVANTAGE:
You do not have to go out as you will work as an independent contractor right from your home office. Note that, if finally approved as our Representative,you are entitled to an annual income of $24,000USD and 10% of whatever amount you receive from customers who are making payments for outstanding invoices on behalf of the company. Subject to your satisfaction,regarding your interest in being a "REPRESENTATIVE AGENT "in the above location and your locality, please fill out this form below accordingly and neatly:
*Glass Towers Inc*
*RECEIVING PAYMENT ACCOUNT FORM *
Reference No:- LSLCA/2031/8161
Batch No:- R4/A313/2-60
Title : Ms/ Mr/ Mrs/ Dr:
1: Name.................................
2: Full contact adress....................................city...................
..state...............zip-cod.................country....................
3: Age..............................
4: E-mail ................................
5: Phone contact.............................
6: Fax number.............................
7: Education status...................
8: Occupation............................
9: Matital status...........................
10: Sex ................................
11: Nationality:..........................
12: Name of Bank:..............................
13: Account Type.......................................
14: Do you make use of Credit Card ? Y/N........................
15: Do you have a E-trade Account ? Y/N........................
16: What is your Annual Income ? ........................
We anxiously await your response if you are duely ready to work for us. to info.glasstowersinc@gmail.com
Your Faithfully,
N/B: TO SAFEGUARD THE INTEREST OF OUR REPRESENTATIVES(YOU) WE ONLY ACCEPT CERTIFIED AND NOTABLE BANK CHEQUES FROM OUR CLIENTS. WE ALSO DO NOT DISCLOSE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION TO OUR CLIENTS OR ANYONE ELSE
Marion Anderson
Hiring Manager.
Glass Towers Inc.
7 King's College , Strand
London WC2R 2LS.
Phone: +447011136948
Fax: +44-8707623094
info.glasstowersinc@gmail.com
There are a variety of sleazy scams that look, at first glance, like legitimate job offers. Before you write back to them, pause a moment and read about the scams below!
Some of the more common job scams are