Is this personal assistant job posting from Craigslist a scam?

Question

His name is Gerard Brown from " first metro financial group".
This is why I question that it is a legitimate job:
the job duties are real and specific.
He asked questions that would come up in an interview.
He wants me to find local office building because they are moving to my area.
He doesn't ask for money or my bank account.
Things that make me concerned:
I couldn't find him online.
Pronouns in the email are not in caps and they sentences are messy(I guess he could be in a rush).
He is out of town (Canada) so I would work for 4 weeks before we meet.- He does say we will meet.
When I was bluntly honest and asked him to send me verification of the company he responded simply: " this job is legitimate if interested fill out the questionnaire." not with a website or anything.

Additional Facts:
The pay is nice but not "too nice" as always cautioned to look out for. $550- a week for 12-20 hours. Full-time if I do well during the trial period.

Answer 1

NOBODY in the world hires a Personal Assistant without a single FACE TO FACE interview

Any time you are offered a job on Craiglist before you have actually MET your employer you are not only being scammed, but you are being used to commit illegal activity.

Nobody asks a personal assistant to find an office building - they contract a commercial real estate agent

Nobody would ever ask you to work before meeting - that never happens

DO NOT give this criminal your address for any reason. If you already did and they send you a check, write VOID on it and return it to the address on the check OR turn it over to your local police. That check will be stolen or counterfeit and you can go to jail for attempting to cash or deposit it



The REAL First Metro Financial Group is an Inactive company meaning they are no longer in business http://www.florida-companies-info.com/first-metro-financial-group-inc-1c5e1/ and have not been since March 2012 according to state tax filings.

You are dealing with a scammer who is using the name of a closed company to con you

Answer 2

One thing to remember: Consider Craigslist = Scams List. Boyfriend needs to get a real job. With a real employer. The scam: The scammer is using stolen credit card numbers. Using your name an address to have the items delivered to your home. The police will show up at your door in about 3 weeks. They will NOT believe you did not know you were falling for a scam. The check will be 100% FAKE. They will ask you to wire or send money back. The check can clear at first, but will bounce months later. Honstly - both of you need to put your heads on right. Really? School never taught you about work at home scams? Never?

Answer 3

Yes, I to applied to an ad on Craigslist approximately a week ago for a different position. However,

I received an email from Reginald Tait stating that it had been filled, but he was in need of a Personal

Assistant. The pay would be $450 a week for only 15 hours. Also, he stated that he was away in Canada.

This is definitely a 100% SCAM!!!!

Alice, 1/1/14

Answer 4

Craigslist Jobs Atlanta Ga

Answer 5

Yes this is a scam I actually applied for the same job except that his name was Edwin Campbell. Its a scam they did the exact same thing to me. I asked for prof of the company and I haven't got an email back yet. I started to thing what type of person would hire someone offline to handle there stuff and say I will only be in contact with you through email and instant message. GET the F out of here. I told him I was not interested an I didn't want this type of job. These people are crazy. Did they think we wouldn't catch on. I am so happy that I saw this so that I for sure know that this is some bullshit so thank you..

Answer 6

YES! This is a scam. He sends bad check (not connected to an actual account.)

The number I have for him/her/whoever is 485-201-6036.

The address he sends checks from is 2224 James Jackson Pkwy NW Atlanta, GA 30318, then 1523 Dickinson Dr. Apt A Marietta GA 30068



I hope he's caught and serves time in prison!

Answer 7

My Girlfriend just received an overnight check for over $2,400 from the same company but different guy. It sounded very fishy. She also received another response from a woman from the same company copied and pasted, so I googled the company and could not find anything that looked legit. Good thing we really looked into it. Definite SCAM!

Answer 8

100% SCAM.



It is poorly written as you are dealing with a scammer in West Africa.



It is just a variation of the fake check scam.



He will send you a check, tell you to cash it and then forward the proceeds via Western Union to his supposed equipment supplier for the "new office".



Then.....



The check bounces. You are left responsible for covering the bad check and possibly even facing criminal fraud charges yourself.

Answer 9

Yes it is a scam. His real name is not Gerard Brown and you have no idea where he is located. You should avoid craigslist if you are looking for a legitimate job.

Answer 10

Hey, I received a note from Edwin Campbell for the same job for $450/week!

Wondered if it was a scam. Thought it was odd that he asked me for my home address.

I don't put my home address on my resume, just phone # and email info.

Answer 11

100% SCAM!!!!!

I received an email from a Reginald Tait with all the same information you received!

Answer 12

He is now going by "Reginald Tait" and that is as far as I will be going with this job offer. If it sounds too good to be true, then it is! $550.00 for 12-20 hours?!?!

Answer 13

I was a state cop for years I am waiting for his check sent from georgia. I qill get to the bottom of this.

Answer 14

I'm glad I googled this because I thought this was a scam as well! Wow glad I didn't put anything into this!! He's messaging me as we speak!

Answer 15

Scam, and a typical sounding one. There are a number of flags that make it pretty obvious.

Answer 16

When in doubt THROW it out. I think its a scam.

Answer 17

Same thing happened to me!

Look!



Hello,

I am writing in response to your interest on my Craigslist post .You will work from home for only 2 hour per day for a basic wages of $500 per week.You need to go through my introductory message:



I am John Huiras a Successful Entrepreneur, investor and a research journalist .I travel a lot, within and outside the US working on

various independent projects, this is why I need an PERSONAL ASSISTANT, to keep up with all of my activities especially when i

travel abroad.Please note that you are being hired only on a personal level. All correspondences would be made and promptly reported to me personally. The position is part time and home-based meaning you can work most times from your home as long as you have a regular internet access. You are also hired on a trial basis for now until we are able to see how well we fit in, this however does not affect your weekly wage.Most of your activities will be carried out locally and most official packages will be delivered via posts. You will be actively involved in my personal, business and financial life. In summary, your activities as my assistant amongst other things will include;



* A personal reminder for Schedules, programs, flights and keeping

me up to date with them as they come up;

* Carrying out specific projects and research;

* Making regular contacts and drop-offs on my behalf.

* Handling and monitoring financial activities.

* Processing and taking charge of weekly payments and purchases.

* General clerical activities.



Basic wage is $500 a week. Any extra personal expenses (transport, gas, etc) incurred by you while on an errand or otherwise

will also be reimbursed by me at the end of each working Month. This position is very flexible and it is difficult judging the exact number of hours you will be doing, just bear it in mind that there will be busier weeks than others with a steady pay. Working with me is basically about instructions and following them . There is also a very sensitive issue on trust, dedication and accountability which I believe will resolve itself as time goes on. This is only an introductory e-mail, as time goes on we should be able to arrange a

proper meeting to get things started officially. I am currently in Asia, for business .However, I do have a number of work you can get

done, prior to my arrival. Due to the excessive number of responses to my Ad, do provide the following details about yourself for my personal record update and to filter applicant s;



Your Full Name:

Street Address:

Apartment Number:

City: State:

Zip Code:

Cell/Home phone number:

Age:

Present working Status:

Email:



I hope you can be available for me immediately before I arrive, it certainly can act as a stable foundation to our impending working

relationship.

Best Regard,

John Huiras