Just caught this job scam slipping through my spam filters. I'll post the e-mail, then I'll point out the signs that it's a scam.
From: Ferdinand Jamison <hburrows@reaching4solutions.com>Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for paying attention to this letter. We would like to inform you that our company staff management had a chance to get acquainted with your resume at one of the job seeking websites and found it rather impressive and persuasive, so this is the reason why you have received this letter. Your candidacy would be perfectly suitable for the position of the financial department employee in our company.
Here is a quick review of our company. Our sphere of business activity includes working with different types of precious metals purchases or investments. We work with Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium and many other types of today's popular precious metals on the world market. PMI incorporated was set up as a local enterprise in Poland. Since 2004 we provide our services to our customers worldwide. The company clients(physical persons and organizations) come from more than 20 countries all over the world including the USA, Australia and many countries from eastern and western Europe. PMI Inc is an ISO-certified precious metals dealer. We have been in this business for almost five years, have reached serious success and recently expanded to work on United States market. This is the main reason for recruiting many new US employees. We are looking forward to work with intelligent, energetic and responsible people. PMI incorporated can be already considered as a very successful organization, but we have a lot of room to move further, using the basis that we have built and adding the future perspectives.
We do believe that almost half of any organization's profits strictly depend on the working staff, employees and managers, people who handle the business, help and support it. And that's why our strategy includes providing maximum we can for the employee of our enterprise. These are the privileges you get by entering our collective:
-Fixed basic salary with many comfortable ways of payment
-The opportunity of working on the remote basis
-Flexible schedules, gliding hours of work
-Working with a personal manager providing you with all the working instructions timely and clearly
-Worthy bonuses strictly depending on the profit we make together
-We provide the most modern communication devices to all our employees (Apple iPhone 3G/Blackberry devices, Macbook PRO/Sony VAIO laptops) after the first and second trial month of work correspondingly.
-2 weeks paid vacation twice a year
-Company covers all taxes; employee receives an invoice declaring his/her incomeAs we have already chosen you for this position the only requirements you need to satisfy at this point are:
-To be legally trouble free and have a clean record
-To have a personal and answering cell phone
-To have an internet access during the normal daily working hours
-To be disciplined, attentive and responsibleSo please, make your choice and we thank you a lot for reading our letter independently of what decision you made or will make. Please remember that you don't have to make any investments or put any money anywhere to start working for our company, PMI inc does not run business with suspicious individuals or companies, we do not operate checks or money orders, we have a strong security system that helps to protect our customers and employees, helps to reveal any type of bogus. You have a chance to enter the successful, perspective and hard-working team, and we will try to provide maximum for you to not be disappointed and reach a remarkable career growth. We would really love to start our working co-operation with you. So if you have got interested, feel free to write us an email back at prmet.support@gmail.com for the further details
For further details, e-mail us at: pr.met.invest@gmail.com
Best Regards,
Timothy Stasevich,
PMI inc
So the number 1 sign, and most common sign of these job scams is found from looking at the "From" address and the address they want you to reply to. First, the name part of the "From" address (before the @ symbol) is usually a set of random letters and numbers. They're getting smarter and this time it's actually making some sense ("hburrows"), but it bears no mental connection to the sender's name, Ferdinand Jamison. Why would F. Jamison have HBurrows as an e-mail address? Additionally, why would someone at an American healthcare consulting company be sending you a job offer from a Polish precious metals trading company?
The letter isn't signed by Ferdinand Jamison either. It's signed by Timothy Stasevich. So the guy who sent the mail doesn't appear to have any actual relationship to the company and isn't even the guy who signed the letter.
Then, when you get through all those mental disconnects, they want you to reply to addresses at gmail.com, which is Google's free mail service. Sure I use gmail and I'm legitimate, but I'm a blogger, not a corporation. And if I wanted you to reply to me at my gmail.com address, I'd mail you from it, not from a domain totally unrelated to my blog or Google.
The "from" address at a domain totally unrelated to their business, a name totally unrelated to the name signed on the letter, and a request you reply to an address at a free mail service is something I find on almost every single scam that comes through my mail box.
Second big sign is that "we have already chosen you for this position" but they address you as "Dear Sir/Madam". They've picked you for this job out of thousands of potential applicants. They're going to give you money, a computer, and a Blackberry. But they have yet to prove they know your name. They even sent a contract attached in rich text format (RTF), but my name wasn't filled in there either.
Third sign is in the contract.
4.1. The Employee agrees to:

a) perform all business operations timely and within periods discussed with the Coordinator in advance;
b)receive payments from customers ,transfer payments to Enterprise under qualified instructions.
B is your dead giveaway. Most of these scams are ones where they need a representative in your country to cash checks and then wire them the money.
First of all, they could find a U.S.-based financial services company to handle this for them at a much cheaper price than what they'd pay you (plus the Western Union Fees). Usually what they're doing is sending you forged checks to cash.
Most banks will cash checks immediately for their customers if the checks are under a certain amount and/or the customer has enough money in the bank to cover the check. So you cash the check, run over to Western Union and wire off the money, and a week later the bank is calling you to tell you that the check turned out to be forged and they want their money back. You cashed the check so you're on the hook, and your new "employer" suddenly stops answering your e-mails.
Fourth sign is that you're reading this blog post. How many employees do they need? You and I make a minimum of two. But if you can find another person who's been offered this job as easily as you found me, you know you and I aren't the only ones. That means they're offering the job to everyone. And if they're sending a "Dear Sir/Madam" letter to everyone, offering them the job (not asking them to apply, but telling them they got the job), how legitimate can this job be?
Last, but not least, there's the lesson most of us learned from our parents. "If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is."
Sorry to burst anyone's bubble, but if you reply to this and take this job, you'll likely be a few thousand poorer in a matter of weeks. It completely sucks that these people are going to steal from you when you're probably hurting and really need a job, and are at a time in your life when you can least afford to lose that kind of money. But that's why they call them "criminal scumbags." They'd steal your grandma's dialysis money to pay for their champagne and hookers.
And because they're over in Eastern Europe, good luck getting any justice. The only thing you can really do is be aware of the signs of these scams and not get caught in them in the first place.
Best of luck to you all.
Entries (RSS)
Thank you for posting this. This was truly the best spam I've seen this year. Although, I delete about 5000 spams each day so who knows if there is anything better. This one caught my eye as potentialy real, but using the same evaluation as you have I've decided that it must be fake and searched for it on google. That is how I found your website.
D
Thank you because I started to look for them on the internet to get more information on the company and ran across you post. Saved me alot of trouble!
same one:
From: "Thelma Thomason"
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for paying attention to this letter. We would like to
inform you that our company staff management had a chance to get
acquainted with your resu...
.
.
.
...our working co-operation with you. So if you have got
interested, feel free to write us an email back at e-mail:
pr.mets.inc@gmail.com for the further details
For further details, e-mail us only at: pr.mets.inc@gmail.com
Best Regards,
Timothy Stasevich,
PMI inc
Whah? Now what do I do? I just did exactly what you mentioned and not once but three times! I'm certain I'm up against the post now.
But seriously, the spelling errors and grammar alone would put me off as a prospective employee just on that principle alone, besides all of the other relevant information provided here on this site. What gets me is that there are people that most likely ignore these signs due to our economy and fork up any effort necessary to make their house payments. The parties that are responsible for this letter and for snaring helpless people desperate and without any means left will no doubt serve their time one way or another. The angry part of me says I hope that it's a more recent justice full of large bruts that can make these shameless "No spell checker Mfos!"
@Andrew: As the old saying goes, violent men die violent deaths. Hopefully these crooks who act like rats will die like rats.
By the way: Most of what used to be the lawless Eastern Europe is now part of the European Union. The new boys of the class, the ones that want to prove what good boys they are. Among other things, this means that it is easier to get cooperation from the local police.
If you have been scammed, the money is probably lost, but there is a chance they can catch and punish the people who did it. Contact your local police for details.
Great post... similar analysis (i) there are no names in the contract - so I wondered how they could have chosen me. (ii) a reply email with gmail - a large corporation (has to be if it is delaing in precious metals) in general like you indicated will not use free emails for important issues as such.
I did the same thing as Joy and came across your blog. Good work to keep others informed.
thanks for this information. every little bit helps.
i received the following response in response to my agreement to this letter!
Dear Sarwat,
Precious Metals Investments incorporated(PMI inc) company headbranch is located in Warszawa, Poland. We work with US customers, who make the precious metal purchases and investments. In the beginning, the position will entail receiving payments from our customers ,performing and further accomplishing the deal. You will be provided with the needed instructions step by step. This position has a remote basis and can be worked into(be an additional employment for the employee).We have attached a copy of the contract to this message. You will need to fill it in and send it back to us to get started if you decide so.
Best regards,
Timothy Stasevich,
PMI inc
I also look to see if a phone number is listed. Most all do not list any phone number of any physical address. None have a area that says, contact us or home page. These are tell tale signs of a scam.
Well they got me but I am broke nad there is no money in the account. So i hope they enjoy it.
Thanks for Info.... I wanted to share the new version of this in hopes it helps someone else they seem to have changed it up some. This email to me is showing a totaly different email than me-so I don't know if that was on purpose?
Mon, October 11, 2010 10:25:25 AMCurrent Open Position / id : 1286810995
From: Inez Malone Add to Contacts
To: ksusan01@baker.edu
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Good day,
We are writing you due to the reason because of the fact that PMO assistance group company online hiring team has seen your CV and would like to see your candidacy as an employee of our company.
PMO assistance group company gives an opportunity to join the company for United States citizens.
PMO assistance group company main branch is in the Polish capital, city Warsaw.
The company works in the precious metals sphere since 2004.
We have customers from all over the world, purchasing gold, silver, platinum, palladium, selling or exchanging precious metals or making any kind of investments into certificates or stocks.
This particular offer is for people who live in United States.
We provide the vacancy for financial department employee position. You will be performing the payment operations for the clients, accomplishing the financial deals. The work is home based and can be done as additional employment. We provide the fixed monthly salary of $5,500 fixed plus the per cents from the each deal. There is a possibility of a carrier growth. There is a flexible schedule and hours of work (up to 20 hours of work per week in average for the employee).
Taxes are 1099'd each year, the vacation is two times per year - paid. After first and second month of successful cooperation, we provide the modern devices as a bonuses for each of our employees. ( Apple iPhones 4 and Mac laptops, Blackberries and Sony Vaio laptops).
We do not work with checks, money orders or any suspicion facilities for safety purposes.
PMO assistance group has recommended itself as a valuable market player from Europe with the strongest security system.
PMO assistance group is waiting for you to join us. PMO assistance group would be glad to work with hard-working and motivates employees. We require to have/be:
-Based in United States
-18 years old or more
-Clean record
-Normal business hours internet access
-Basic knowledge about handling banking operations
The vacancies have limits.
Please, reply back.
Best regards.
Hello everyone,
I fell for this scam too since I looked it up online and didn't see anything like it. I even looked at the website for the Preciouse Metal Company and everything. I called the fax number and confiremed it was a fax #. The guy who I was working with calls himself Alex Ladd (Alexander Ladokovich).
This is the exact same e-mail that I got.
Position available \ id : 1286806588 Ryder Poole to blakekb - Oct 11, 2010
Hello,
We are asking you to pay attention because of the fact that PMO assistance group
company recruiting department has seen your CV and would like to see your
candidacy as an employee of our company.
PMO assistance group company gives an opportunity to join the company for United
States citizens.
PMO assistance group company main branch is in the Polish capital, city Warsaw.
Since the year 2004 we operate worldwide on the precious metal market.
PMO assistance group clients from Europe and US purchase different types of
precious metals, sell or exchange gold, silver, platinum or palladium or invest
funds.
This particular offer is for people who live in United States.
The position we offer is called a financial department employee. You will be
performing the payment operations for the clients, accomplishing the financial
deals. The position is remote and can be done as a part time job. We provide the
fixed monthly salary of $5,500 fixed plus the per cents from the each deal.
There is a possibility of a carrier growth. There is a flexible schedule and
hours of work (up to 20 hours of work per week in average for the employee).
Taxes are 1099'd each year, the vacation is two times per year - paid. After
first and second month of successful cooperation, we provide the modern devices
as a bonuses for each of our employees. ( Apple iPhones 4 and Mac laptops,
Blackberries and Sony Vaio laptops).
Company does not operate checks or money orders due to the security reasons.
We have the high safety level and the reputation of a strong European market
player.
PMO assistance group is waiting for you to join us. PMO assistance group would
be glad to work with hard-working and motivates employees. We require to
have/be:
-Located in US
-18 years old or more
-Clean record
-Normal business hours internet access
-Basic knowledge about handling banking operations
The number of positions is limited.
We are waiting for your response.
Have a nice day.
Hello everyone,
I fell for this scam too since I looked it up online and didn't see anything like it. I even looked at the website for the Preciouse Metal Company and everything. I called the fax number and confiremed it was a fax #. The guy who I was working with calls himself Alex Ladd (Alexander Ladokovich).
This is the exact same e-mail that I got.
Position available \ id : 1286806588 Ryder Poole to blakekb - Oct 11, 2010
Hello,
We are asking you to pay attention because of the fact that PMO assistance group
company recruiting department has seen your CV and would like to see your
candidacy as an employee of our company.
PMO assistance group company gives an opportunity to join the company for United
States citizens.
PMO assistance group company main branch is in the Polish capital, city Warsaw.
Since the year 2004 we operate worldwide on the precious metal market.
PMO assistance group clients from Europe and US purchase different types of
precious metals, sell or exchange gold, silver, platinum or palladium or invest
funds.
This particular offer is for people who live in United States.
The position we offer is called a financial department employee. You will be
performing the payment operations for the clients, accomplishing the financial
deals. The position is remote and can be done as a part time job. We provide the
fixed monthly salary of $5,500 fixed plus the per cents from the each deal.
There is a possibility of a carrier growth. There is a flexible schedule and
hours of work (up to 20 hours of work per week in average for the employee).
Taxes are 1099'd each year, the vacation is two times per year - paid. After
first and second month of successful cooperation, we provide the modern devices
as a bonuses for each of our employees. ( Apple iPhones 4 and Mac laptops,
Blackberries and Sony Vaio laptops).
Company does not operate checks or money orders due to the security reasons.
We have the high safety level and the reputation of a strong European market
player.
PMO assistance group is waiting for you to join us. PMO assistance group would
be glad to work with hard-working and motivates employees. We require to
have/be:
-Located in US
-18 years old or more
-Clean record
-Normal business hours internet access
-Basic knowledge about handling banking operations
The number of positions is limited.
We are waiting for your response.
Have a nice day.
Then he gave me this info:
Precious Metal Operations assistance group inc
the webpage is pmogroup. biz
The website does not work for me. I can't get into it but he tells me it might be my computer.
Then I get the following instructions:
Lore,
Your 5% is $xxx
To accomplish the deal we need to transfer the funds to one of our head branches. You will need to make two Western Union transfers from the different branches and one Money Gram transfer.
You need to make first Western Union transfer of $xxx to the following requisition:
First name:Kseniia
Last name:Volkova
City:Warsawa
Country:Poland
Second Western Union from a different location of $xxx should be sent to:
First name:Aliaksei
Last name:Kryshton
City:Warsawa
Country:Poland
And Money Gram transfer of $xxx should be sent to:
First name:Veranika
Last name:Trufanava
City:Warsawa
Country:Poland
Please, remember that in connection with that such companies of instant money transferring do not support business type of transfers, the transfer should have a personal specification, the fees should be substracted from the amounts(you do not have to pay out of your pocket), after you accomplish please send us an email with the reference code and mtcn numbers and the clear amounts without fees
Also, please, be very careful with the spelling of receivers first and last names because the clerks often make mistakes.
And make sure that the funds are transferred in US dollars.
*** Don't get caught up in this scam. It's really scary to think that you did something wrong when you thought you had found something that was good for you and your family.
People, please be careful with this stuff. Cause you could even cost the job of a person who works for the bank. Delete it!!! If not report it first and then delete it!!!
No one needs this type of headache!!!!
If you are in the mist of this put the money back. Don't do it!!! You will regret it.
Hope this helps anyone in the predicametn that I was in.
I got this today and I thought it was too good to be true and I looked it up and found that I'm not the only one getting this in the mail. Please do not send these fools any information about you or allow them to scam you.
Yeah ,I got it . I sent him ( Alex Ladd) back a request for a business license and he complied. I sent him a request for a phone conversation due to the fact that I am old school and I like to shake hands with who ever I do business with or at the very least talk to them, he didn't. He just sent me back a message to sign the document and then he would get me started.
I am sure that dirtbags like this will suffer the consequences latter than sooner, but it will come!!
By the way I have been experiencing some weird things with my e-mail so if I were you I would change my password immediately if you have had any interaction with people like this!!