by Cecile Cinco
I discovered another scam. By the look of it, someone in dire need of a job may fall for it, especially those who are not aware that such scams exist.
In one of my posts in one of my blogs, I’ve posted a wanted-secretary information. So, receiving an email asking for possible employees for a grand hotel wasn’t really odd. I replied to ask for requirements. After 2 days (I think) I was emailed a list of all job openings with specific salaries, the hotel pictures (very beautiful) and features, and letter of agreement.
Everything will be taken cared of like plane ticket and visa which cost will be deducted from the salary. All
The first thing that struck me was, almost everything was typed in ALL CAPS. Address and fax number existed, though. So I tried to search for the hotel online. It exists with the same address. The fax number was questionable already before I tried a search because it started with a country code not for Canada. I looked up the IDD country codes. Guess what? Mauritius.
Anyway, when I did a search on the hotel, the pictures are nothing like those sent to me. There are many branches but the specific place that was emailed was nothing like what’s on the official website.
I emailed the hotel for confirmation of the available jobs and if they knew the person. For all I know the name could be existing and really be part of the corporate body, merely being used by the scammer to make me believe it was the truth. The mere fax number really gave way. The hotel hasn’t responded to my query but I can say it was really a scam.
For what?
I still don’t know. Maybe for information to be able to pose as you to scam others. You will be asked to fax certain documents like your visa so that, according to the scammer, they can process your application. Or, you could really be sent to Canada…or where ever…but then you cannot come back and you need money just to come back home because there is really no job. In that case, how can you pay back the plane ticket? I really don’t know yet at this moment. I’m sure there is a way that will favor the scammer.
Perhaps if you have taken one of those mba programs, you will be wiser. All I can say is, BE CAREFUL ALWAYS.
Ask for others’ opinion. If you know someone from the place of the supposed place, ask to confirm.
In a multitude of counsel, there is safety.
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This is so right Ate! Thanks for posting this. For those who’d like to know more about what to avoid and to prepare for going abroad, better to attend a seminar by POEA called Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar. Ounce of safety better than lifetime of regret!!!
Hi Mutya, tnx for your input. Is that for free or for a fee? Can anyone attend the seminar?